Ten local charities to benefit from share of £20,000 donation

Ten local Aberdeen charities are set to benefit from £2,000 grants from a donation from Union Square.

Their 'Giving Back Project' launched in August.

Hammerson, which owns Union Square, has launched the scheme across nine of its flagship destinations in the UK, meaning charities across the country will receive £180,000 to help them overcome the impact of the pandemic.

Union Square will award ten £2,000 grants to the following charities and organisations:

Shopmobility Aberdeen – Shopmobility Aberdeen has traditionally offered work experience and placement opportunities to young people of school and FE/HE age out with the core volunteering programme.

Street Friends Helping the Homeless – Street Friends Helping The Homeless Aberdeen is an ACVO and ACC registered community group run by dedicated and passionate volunteers with an aim to provide essentials to those in need. As well as befriending and signposting to expert charities.

Tillydrone Community Trust – The TCDT is made up of community groups and residents from across Tillydrone and is working towards community led regeneration.

Denis Law Legacy Project – The Denis Law Legacy Trust is an Aberdeen-based charity operational November 2013. Based at RGU Sports at Garthdee Road, they deliver a number of ‘free to access’ programmes and positive destination activities five nights a week, enabling young and deprived people of the Grampian Region, aged 8-25 years, to take part in and access sport and other creative activities within their local.

Rape Crisis Grampian – Rape Crisis Grampian was established in 1992 and offers a free and confidential emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone over the age of 13 years, male or female, who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their life.

Aberdeen Cyrenians – Home is the foundation on which Aberdeen Cyrenians builds their support, giving people security to recover, grow and flourish. As a homeless charity, Aberdeen Cyrenians help people in crisis to secure a safe, affordable and healthy home.

CALICO – CALICO (Cancer and Leukaemia In Children Orientated) is a local charitable organisation in the Grampian Region set up in 1983. They aim to help and support all families who have children suffering from cancer, leukaemia or cancer related illness.

AberNeccessities – AberNecessities is a local, non-profit charity with the aim of supporting underprivileged families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. They provide families with the essential items they need to care for their babies and children, helping alleviate the pressure of bringing up a young family with extremely limited resources.

Camphill School Aberdeen – Camphill School Aberdeen is a local charity supporting 140 children and young people to reach their fullest potential. It’s a place where the focus is primarily on abilities and opportunities.

Instant Neighbour - Instant Neighbour is an award-winning charity which was established in 1984 with the aim of alleviating poverty so individuals can experience a better quality of life. They provide practical assistance, goods and services to those facing financial hardship.

Ryan Manson, General Manager at Union Square said: “This has been a really challenging year for everyone, and we know that charities and other organisations across Aberdeen have really gone the extra mile. This project is all about giving something back to those groups that have pulled out all the stops over the past few months, and need a helping hand to ensure they can continue to carry out their valuable work. We are so grateful for everything they have done.”

Vicki Corbett, Development Manager at Foundation Scotland said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with Union Square to deliver the Giving Back Project. This extra funding for charitable groups across Aberdeen can make a massive difference. Not only in helping them manage their daily operations but also the level of support they can offer within their local community. Generous donors like Union Square have never been more needed and appreciated.”

A spokesperson for Shopmobility Aberdeen said: “Shopmobility Aberdeen are delighted to have been awarded £2,000 from the Union Square Giving Back Project. This money will enable us to continue working with children and young people, offering them work experience and placements throughout the year helping them to develop much needed skills and build their confidence.”

A spokesperson for CALICO said: “Calico is delighted with the continued and generous support from Union Square. This donation will allow us to offer additional help to a local lad who is trying to move on from his cancer treatment and improve his future prospects through attending a college course and improving his skills for employability. The family live in rural Grampian so this money enables Calico to support him in purchasing necessary equipment for his course and assist with the increased travel expenses.”

Danielle Flecher-Horn, Founder of AberNecessities said: "The support from the Giving Back Project is just fantastic and hugely appreciated. The team at AberNecessities would like to extend their warmest thanks for supporting the charity and making an incredible difference to children and families living right on our doorstep. This donation will go towards formula milk, baby food ‘Snug as a Bug’ bags (including duvet and pillows, cosy bedding, pyjamas, slippers, teddy bear and story book) and Care packages for Mum's fleeing domestic abuse (including a variety of toiletries, personal and household essentials). Thank you for helping us improve the daily lives of babies, children and families across the North-east of Scotland."