Charities zoom in to share over £8,000 funding support
Gift support totalling £8,300 has been distributed by the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers to four charities, using a zoom session to acknowledge the vital work being done by each organisation and to celebrate the slightly different transfer of funds this year.
“While we weren’t able to meet face-to-face this year, our annual distribution of funds, donated by the Association’s members, was successful in what really matters,” said SAMW vice-president, Billy Stewart, who hosted a special charity zoom meeting to ensure the cash reached its destination in traditional style.
“All four charities are battling hard to continue their work in the face of the current Covid-19 disruptions, making this year’s funding allocations by SAMW even more important than normal. We’re delighted to be able to give our support to these crucial charities, each of which was nominated by an SAMW member with a special or personal reason to be grateful for the work they’re doing.”
Left to right – Top row – Morag McGown, MND Scotland; Billy Stewart, SAMW Vice President; Vicky Burford, PANS PANDAS UK. Second row: (l-r) – Nina Clancy, RSABI; and David Roberts, Prostate Cancer UK.
This year’s charities were:
MND Scotland (£3000)
MND Scotland is the leading charity in Scotland providing care and support to people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), as well as funding vital research into finding a cure.
“Your donation is helping to support everyone in Scotland who is affected by MND,” said Morag McGown, the charity’s corporate partnerships manager. “We provide a range of practical, financial and emotional support services for people affected by MND across Scotland and will continue to fight to give people with MND access to effective treatments, remaining determined to beat MND once and for all.”
Prostate Cancer UK (£3000)
“Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK and due to the impact of Covid-19, our life-saving research is at risk,” said David Roberts, the charity’s community fundraising assistant.
“The support received from SAMW has enabled us to protect research into better tests and treatments, to stop prostate cancer being a killer. Thank you from everyone at Prostate Cancer UK.”
RSABI (£1800)
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the members of SAMW for their generous donation,” said RSABI Chief Executive, Nina Clancy. “The Association’s continued support is very much appreciated by everyone at RSABI. The funds will help us provide vital services to people in the agricultural industry during these uncertain times.
“RSABI is here for everyone in the industry, including meat processors. If you’re struggling please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our service is provided confidentially, and we can help with a wide range of issues including mental well-being, money worries and employment concerns.”
RSABI provides emotional, practical, and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture. The service is available to those previously and currently involved in farming, crofting and occupations involved in agriculture in Scotland. RSABI’s helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm on 0300 111 4166 and offers a call out service for the lonely and vulnerable.
PANS PANDAS UK (£500)
“PANS and PANDAS are a set of neuro-psychiatric conditions which cause a mis-directed immune response, resulting in life-changing symptoms such as OCD, tics and eating disorders,” said Vicky Burford, the charity’s Secretary. “PANS PANDAS UK offers support to sufferers and their families, as well as educating medical professionals about these complex and widely mis-understood conditions.
“On behalf of everyone at PANS PANDAS UK and all the families in the PANS PANDAS Community, we thank SAMW for once again supporting us.”