North East residents help raise over £50,000 towards Aberdeen's Childline centre
Fundraisers hope to put together £80,000 in total by April, and then repeat that over the next two years, in order to provide an additional 10,000 counselling sessions a year.
Fundraisers in the North-East have been braving the winter sea, testing their general knowledge and lacing up their trainers in support of Childline Aberdeen’s 15th Anniversary Appeal.
The base celebrated its 15th anniversary last April and since then, volunteers, staff, local businesses and members of the public have raised more than £X,000 in a bid to reach an £80,000 target by April.
The charity aims to reach the same target for the next two years, as this will allow it to take on 150 new volunteer counsellors, with each costing £1,600 to recruit and train.
People have taken part in a wide range of events throughout 2019 including coffee mornings, jumble sales, fun-runs, and quiz nights. Some have pushed themselves to the limits – with a local trio completing the West Highland Way in just three days, and a volunteer from the base swimming the length of the channel in her local swimming pool.
The most recent fundraising challenge was the ‘Nippy Dipper’, which involved Childline supporters plunging into the North Sea on the shore of Aberdeen. Among them were employees of CNR International which has raised over £25,000 for the charity since April.
Matt Connelly, Community Fundraising Manager for the North East, said: “The response we have had throughout 2019 has been incredible. Since we launched the 15th Anniversary Appeal back in May, we have raised tens of thousands of pounds towards our year 1 target of £80,000 and are well on our way to achieving our goal.NS
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire community for really getting on board with our appeal. Without their support, it simply would not be possible, and many children would miss out on the vital support that these funds will provide.
“I’d encourage anyone thinking of supporting a charity through fundraising in 2020 to get in touch and help us transform the lives of children both locally and nationally.”
If you would like to fundraise in 2020 to help with the charity’s 15th Anniversary Appeal, get in touch on 01224 531556 or email matthew.connelly@nspcc.org.uk