eveningstandard--2019-12-04--How to give charitably this Christmas

How to give charitably this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, giving to others is the spirit of the season and there’s no better time to give charitably than the present.  Donating to charities is the obvious way to lend a helping hand, simply pick one close to your heart and give as much as you can afford - but there are several other ways to be charitable this Christmas too.  With this is mind, we’ve rounded up our favourite alternative ways to help others this Christmas below.  Buy a Beam gift card to help the homeless  Research earlier this year found that a homeless person dies every 19 hours in the UK. Beam is one of the many charities trying to put a stop to this and help get the homeless off the streets.  The way Beam works is a homeless person is referred to them by a charity or local council. They are then given a dedicated support specialist who makes sure the person is mentally and physically ready to enter full time employment. The support specialist then helps the person develop a tailored career plan, which is where the public comes in. The public can donate to a person via Beam’s website, either by funding one person’s training or by funding everyone equally and receive regular updates about the progress of that person’s career.  This Christmas, Beam is introducing gift cards to buy your friends and family that include a one-off donation you can allocate to any homeless person crowdfunding on Beam’s platform. All donations go directly to the individual’s employment training.  To find out more about Beam, visit beam.org and to give a give card, visit beam.org/gifts  Donate to the Shelterbox Winter Warmth Appeal to help Syrian refugees  Temperatures in Syria plummet during the winter, and Syrian refugees need your help. Families in the war-torn country have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, often arriving in emergency camps with just the clothes on their backs.  Shuttlebox writes: “They are totally unprotected from the harsh winter temperatures. Warm blankets could make all the difference.  “A complete winter warmth bundle has everything a large family needs to survive the cold - from mattresses to a kitchen set for cooking warm food. It also includes insulated baby sleepsuits, children’s thermal underwear, and children's jeans and jumpers.”  The winter warmth bundle is £250, but donors can opt to donate as much or as little as they like - £39 can buy three baby clothing sets and £70 can buy 10 blankets.  To find out more, visit shelterbox.org/winter-warmth-appeal  Gabriela Hearst is donating 100 per cent of profits to Save the Children from December 2 to 9  During the first week of December (2 to 9), fashion designer Gabriela Hearst will donate 100 per cent of net proceeds on all products to Save the Children and its work in Yemen. While Save the Children helps children worldwide, more than 12 million children in Yemen have been trapped in a cycle of starvation and sickness for the past four years as a result of war. Just £48 could provide a family of seven with food for an entire month meaning, buying this Gabriela Hearst dress for $1,990 or this top for $1,250 could do a world of good.  Hearst said in a statement: “Save the Children is one of the largest non-profit organisations on the ground in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis has fallen out of media discourse, given the speed of our current news state. The catastrophe is present and needs as much help as possible. For me personally the holiday spirit should be about giving, and this is why we are donating all net proceeds to this important cause. I have deep admiration for the past, present, and future work of Save the Children.”  To find out more and to donate, visit gabrielahearst.com and savethechildren.org.uk/yemen.  Housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, has opened a pop-up shop in Covent Garden this year that will be open daily until December 21. Targeting the housing crisis this Christmas, UK supporters will be able to use ‘tap to donate’ points to automatically donate £3 to the charity. The store will be a mix of high-end bargains, seasonal gifts and cards as well as jewellery and collectibles. Shelter has also launched a new range of stocking fillers which can be bought in the shop or online – Emergency Chocolate bars (£5 for medium and £10 for large) and coins (£2).  The Shelter pop-up will also see an event on December 16 run by the Secret Styling Club. Hosted by interior influencers Laurie (@lifeofaninteriorstylist) and Maxine (@welovehomeblog), who will teach guests how to make a stylish table centrepiece along with tablescaping tips and how to buy vintage this season. The workshop is limited to 15 places and tickets are £10 each, all proceeds going to Shelter. You can buy tickets here.  Attend the refugee pop-up in the Old Truman Brewery on December 11  Next Wednesday (Dec 11), leading refugee business network TERN will run London’s first refugee-led pop-up in the Truman Brewery in Spitalfields. There, it will host five emerging refugee-founded business in the Brewery’s Dray Walk between 11am and 4:30pm where shoppers will have the chance to find out more about the brands and buy the products including Sidr Honey, luxury lingerie and handmade tote bags.  TERN are supporting 100 entrepreneurs in 2019 alone, with a goal of launching 1,000 refugee-led businesses by 2025. This could provide employment for more than 3,000 people over the next five years.  For more information on TERN, visit wearetern.org and for more information about the event, visit eventbrite.co.uk  For the third year in a row, Choose Love has popped up in London, this year at 47 to 49 Neal Street in Covent Garden. Set up by Help Refugees, Choose Love is the world’s only store that sells products and services for refugees across the globe. Since 2017, the stores in London, New York and LA have welcomed 45,000 customers and distributed 1.6 million items to those in need.  Visitors can buy individual products and services and ‘bundles’ of items that will be given to refugees. New for this year is the ‘Bundle of Warmth’ featuring hot food, a child’s coat, firewood and a warm blanket; the ‘Bundle of Love’ featuring baby grow, child’s boots, nappies, basic wash bag, tent, tarp and pallet; and the ‘Bundle of Hope’ which features mental health support, adult learning and women’s support. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can ‘buy the store’ for £650.  You also don’t need to live in London to give, Choose Love also has an online store that you can choose gifts from as well.  To find out more, visit choose.love  While in Covent Garden visiting Shelter and Choose Love, be sure to also visit Action for Children's Secret Santa Pop-Up Store open from December 5 to 18. Here, visitors can be a secret santa for a vulnerable child by purchasing a gift inclusing a hot meal, warm clothes and a safe place to sleep. Shoppers will also be able to support the charity by buying one of their stylish celebrity-inspired ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ t-shirts and jumpers. All proceeds will go towards the young people Action for Children support.  To find out more, visit actionforchildren.org.uk


eveningstandard--2019-12-08--Victoria Park Santa Run: Thousands take part in charity Christmas race in London

Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus took part in a charity run around London's Victoria Park.  About 3,000 people entered this year's London Santa Run to raise money for various charities on Sunday morning.  The annual event, which is now in its 10th year, encouraged people to swap their usual running gear for a red coat, jaunty bobble hat, and white beard, before taking part in either a 5k or 10k course around the east London park.  After completing the route, tired runners were treated to free mince pies and an official souvenir medal for their efforts.  Organisers Skyline Events said they hope to raise between £500,000 and £1 million for about 65 charities represented on the day.  Save the Children was the 2019 headline charity, but participants could choose to support a variety of other organisations.  Siobhan Dillon, spokesperson for Skyline Events, said: "Seeing 3,000 Santas in Victoria Park is a pretty mad sight. It's the biggest one yet, which is pretty incredible.  "Before everyone set off, we had a couple of elves on stage helping with the warm-up, and then at the end we had Christmas carols playing and mince pies for everyone.  "It was really good fun and it gets everyone into the Christmas spirit."  The run coincided with another annual Santa dash held up in Glasgow, Scotland, which saw more than 7,000 people take part.


eveningstandard--2019-12-11--Give back: how to gift charitably this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, giving to others is the spirit of the season and there’s no better time to give charitably than the present.  Donating to charities is the obvious way to lend a helping hand, simply pick one close to your heart and give as much as you can afford - but there are several other ways to be charitable this Christmas too.  With this is mind, we’ve rounded up our favourite alternative ways to help others this Christmas below.  Buy a Beam gift card to help the homeless  Research earlier this year found that a homeless person dies every 19 hours in the UK. Beam is one of the many charities trying to put a stop to this and help get the homeless off the streets.  The way Beam works is a homeless person is referred to them by a charity or local council. They are then given a dedicated support specialist who makes sure the person is mentally and physically ready to enter full time employment. The support specialist then helps the person develop a tailored career plan, which is where the public comes in. The public can donate to a person via Beam’s website, either by funding one person’s training or by funding everyone equally and receive regular updates about the progress of that person’s career.  This Christmas, Beam is introducing gift cards to buy your friends and family that include a one-off donation you can allocate to any homeless person crowdfunding on Beam’s platform. All donations go directly to the individual’s employment training.  To find out more about Beam, visit beam.org and to give a give card, visit beam.org/gifts  Donate to the Shelterbox Winter Warmth Appeal to help Syrian refugees  Temperatures in Syria plummet during the winter, and Syrian refugees need your help. Families in the war-torn country have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, often arriving in emergency camps with just the clothes on their backs.  Shelterbox writes: “They are totally unprotected from the harsh winter temperatures. Warm blankets could make all the difference.  “A complete winter warmth bundle has everything a large family needs to survive the cold - from mattresses to a kitchen set for cooking warm food. It also includes insulated baby sleepsuits, children’s thermal underwear, and children's jeans and jumpers.”  The winter warmth bundle is £250, but donors can opt to donate as much or as little as they like - £39 can buy three baby clothing sets and £70 can buy 10 blankets.  To find out more, visit shelterbox.org/winter-warmth-appeal  Gabriela Hearst is donating 100 per cent of profits to Save the Children from December 2 to 9  During the first week of December (2 to 9), fashion designer Gabriela Hearst will donate 100 per cent of net proceeds on all products to Save the Children and its work in Yemen. While Save the Children helps children worldwide, more than 12 million children in Yemen have been trapped in a cycle of starvation and sickness for the past four years as a result of war. Just £48 could provide a family of seven with food for an entire month meaning, buying this Gabriela Hearst dress for $1,990 or this top for $1,250 could do a world of good.  Hearst said in a statement: “Save the Children is one of the largest non-profit organisations on the ground in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis has fallen out of media discourse, given the speed of our current news state. The catastrophe is present and needs as much help as possible. For me personally the holiday spirit should be about giving, and this is why we are donating all net proceeds to this important cause. I have deep admiration for the past, present, and future work of Save the Children.”  To find out more and to donate, visit gabrielahearst.com and savethechildren.org.uk/yemen.  Housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, has opened a pop-up shop in Covent Garden this year that will be open daily until December 21. Targeting the housing crisis this Christmas, UK supporters will be able to use ‘tap to donate’ points to automatically donate £3 to the charity. The store will be a mix of high-end bargains, seasonal gifts and cards as well as jewellery and collectibles. Shelter has also launched a new range of stocking fillers which can be bought in the shop or online – Emergency Chocolate bars (£5 for medium and £10 for large) and coins (£2).  The Shelter pop-up will also see an event on December 16 run by the Secret Styling Club. Hosted by interior influencers Laurie (@lifeofaninteriorstylist) and Maxine (@welovehomeblog), who will teach guests how to make a stylish table centrepiece along with tablescaping tips and how to buy vintage this season. The workshop is limited to 15 places and tickets are £10 each, all proceeds going to Shelter. You can buy tickets here.  Attend the refugee pop-up in the Old Truman Brewery on December 11  Next Wednesday (Dec 11), leading refugee business network TERN will run London’s first refugee-led pop-up in the Truman Brewery in Spitalfields. There, it will host five emerging refugee-founded business in the Brewery’s Dray Walk between 11am and 4:30pm where shoppers will have the chance to find out more about the brands and buy the products including Sidr Honey, luxury lingerie and handmade tote bags.  TERN are supporting 100 entrepreneurs in 2019 alone, with a goal of launching 1,000 refugee-led businesses by 2025. This could provide employment for more than 3,000 people over the next five years.  For more information on TERN, visit wearetern.org and for more information about the event, visit eventbrite.co.uk  For the third year in a row, Choose Love has popped up in London, this year at 47 to 49 Neal Street in Covent Garden. Set up by Help Refugees, Choose Love is the world’s only store that sells products and services for refugees across the globe. Since 2017, the stores in London, New York and LA have welcomed 45,000 customers and distributed 1.6 million items to those in need.  Visitors can buy individual products and services and ‘bundles’ of items that will be given to refugees. New for this year is the ‘Bundle of Warmth’ featuring hot food, a child’s coat, firewood and a warm blanket; the ‘Bundle of Love’ featuring baby grow, child’s boots, nappies, basic wash bag, tent, tarp and pallet; and the ‘Bundle of Hope’ which features mental health support, adult learning and women’s support. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can ‘buy the store’ for £650.  You also don’t need to live in London to give, Choose Love also has an online store that you can choose gifts from as well.  To find out more, visit choose.love  Have someone in your life that wears their Pandora bracelet religiously? This Christmas, buy them a charm with a conscience as Pandora has teamed up with UNICEF to create a Sterling Silver Bracelet and My Smile Charm (£60) and a My Girl Pride Charm (£15) with 100 per cent of the profits going direct to UNICEF.  To find out more, visit pandora.net/pandora-for-unicef  While in Covent Garden visiting Shelter and Choose Love, be sure to also visit Action for Children's Secret Santa Pop-Up Store open from December 5 to 18. Here, visitors can be a secret Santa for a vulnerable child by purchasing a gift including a hot meal, warm clothes and a safe place to sleep.  Action for Children has partnered with a number of known names to create its 'safe' and 'happy' t-shirts and jumpers, including Stacey Solomon, Mrs Hinch and Una Healy. T-shirts retail for £19 and jumpers for £30 and all proceeds will go towards the young people Action for Children support.  To find out more and to purchase the merchandise online, visit actionforchildren.teemill.com and secretsanta.actionforchildren.org.  Donate to a charity and potentially win a trip of a lifetime with GoodGood Giving  GoodGood Giving is a fundraising platform with a difference - it creates incredible experiences and donates the money to charities in need. To get involved, all you need to do is visit GoodGood's site, pick the experience you want (right now choose between a trip to the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix and a South African safari) and donate £10 to a charity to enter the draw. A winner will be selected at random who will be whisked away on the trip of a lifetime.  To find out more, visit goodgoodgiving.org


france24--2019-01-09--French public gave less to charities in 2018

Public donations to charities dropped sharply in France in 2018, plunging by more than 6.5 percent on last year, with some forecasting an overall 10 percent fall.  France Générosité – a union representing 97 charitable organisations nationwide – reported a €200 million shortfall in the €2.9 billion collected on average each year.  “Charities are very worried about their capacity to maintain their programmes… Donations are crucial for NGOs,” Laurence Lepetit, chief executive of France Générosité, told FRANCE 24.  The union largely attributes the drop to recent changes in the country’s tax system, including the government’s decision in 2018 to replace a tax on wealth with a property tax. Under the previous rules, households with an income over €1.3 million could deduct 75 percent of charitable contributions (or up to €50,000) from their declarations. Although taxpayers can still write-off donations under the new property tax, it applies to only half as many people.  “For major donors, the transformation in our wealth tax is a big explanation,” Lepetit explained. “(Because) the change in the law divided contributors by two, charities received far less this year. We noticed a drop of 54 percent in donations, which is roughly €150 million.”  Small donors – in particular retirees – have also been hard hit by the new fiscal reforms, which has scrapped some taxes, but increased social charges.  “The overall feeling in France of having less buying power has contributed to a huge drop in small donations. Many NGOs have received letters from faithful donors saying that this year they don’t have the capacity to give,” Lepetit said.  There are fears that private donations to charities may continue to slide in 2019, as the government is introducing a controversial, new system which automatically deducts income tax from workers’ paychecks.  “There are still many questions and a lot of anxiety among the population about this new tax system, and some donors have explained that they prefer to postpone donating this year in order to understand what their buying capacity will be in 2019,” Lepetit said.  Among the litany of organisations that have flagged a decline in donations in 2018 are some of France’s most iconic and popular group, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Secours Catholique [Catholic Aid].  Not all NGOs, however, have been impacted in the same way. MSF reported an uptick in donations at the end of the year – a popular time for charitable giving – while the Secours Islamique [Muslim Aid] reportedly saw an increase in bequests in 2018.  “We also know that charities working towards animal welfare or the environment have better results than the others. But the overall big picture is a significant drop for most of them,” Lepetit said.


newsweek--2019-01-21--Twitch Stream Pulls in 250000 for Mermaids Charity Featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Owen Jones

Twitch Stream Pulls in $250,000 for Mermaids Charity, Featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Owen Jones and More

Over the past 50 hours, Harry “HBomberGuy” Brewis has been streaming on Twitch and raised $250,000 for a UK-based transgender help group. The stream has been a roaring success, with tens of thousands of viewers tuning in to watch Brewis try to complete Donkey Kong 64. Streaming from the “woods near Manchester” he said on stream, Brewis has managed to rally a lot of people to help a good cause.  Brewis’ videos focus on attacking the ignorance of skeptics on the internet and trying to talk through hypocrisy. Other prominent YouTubers like Lindsay Ellis, ContraPoints and Jim Sterling appeared on stream, talking to Brewis through his Discord channel. At one point, Brewis had been stuck on the “Beaver Bother” level of DK64 and managed to pick the minds of speedrunners for the game. What started as a small YouTuber trying to raise some money quickly blossomed into a movement.  The whole idea for a charity stream began when Graham Linehan, who Brewis described on stream as a “comedy writer who did some work on a good show 20 years ago,” appeared on national television and pleaded his fan base to reach out to the National Lottery, which was funding Mermaids, to complain. Mermaids is an organization that offers support hotlines for trans members, education and advocacy for trans rights.  On stream Brewis explained that originally he didn’t think he would break $50,000, but quickly surpassed that goal within the first day.  Traditional celebrities have started to post about the stream. Cher, Neil Gaiman, Matthew Mercer, Paris Lee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adam Conover and author Owen Jones have all shown their support on twitter. Ocasio-Cortez and Jones appeared briefly in the Discord channel, sharing their support and admiration for Brewis.  The stream will continue until he completely finishes Donkey Kong 64, which you can catch on his Twitch channel. He’s already smashed through every goal he’s set and it’s unclear how much money we will see at the end. If you want to support Mermaids and watch a man slowly descend into madness, you won’t find a better place.


newyorkpost--2019-01-16--Fan gives 175K to charity after Syracuse upset of Duke

Fan gives $175K to charity after Syracuse upset of Duke

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A central New York businessman says he’s following through with a pledge to donate $150,000 to area Boys & Girls Clubs in the aftermath of Syracuse’s upset of No. 1 Duke.  Adam Weitsman, a well-known Orange fan and owner of recycling and shredding business, posted on Facebook before the game that he would make the donation if Syracuse won. The visiting Orange upset the Blue Devils 95-91 in overtime Monday night.  Weitsman told ESPN that he called officials with the Boys & Girl Club on Tuesday and made arrangements to deliver $50,000 apiece to three Boys & Girls Clubs in Owego, Binghamton and Syracuse. His friends reminded him he had forgotten to mention another club in Endicott, so he added another $25,000 donation for a grand total of $175,000 to charity after his favorite team’s upset victory.  According to the ESPN report, Weitsman is a convicted felon who spent nearly a year in prison in 2004 for bank fraud. Since then, he has made a fortune as the owner of Upstate Shredding, a $1 billion scrap metal and recycling company. He reportedly owns a $30 million mansion on Skaneateles Lake in New York.  Weitsman said he would not have made this donation when he was younger.  “When I was younger, I was pretty selfish,” Weitsman told ESPN. “I just want to be a different man than I was when I was young. Hopefully, [my donation] spurs other people to do the same.”  Weitsman told the Post-Standard of Syracuse that on the way to the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium he was reading about a Syracuse recruit who learned to play the game at the Boys & Girls Club in Rochester, New York.  That’s when the idea of the donation came to him. Weitsman’s grandfather was a founding member of a Boys & Girls Club in New York. Also, the foundation of Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim and wife Juli supports branches of the organization.  Weitsman was among a group of Syracuse fans that sat behind the team bench for the victory. He says “it’s amazing to be able to help them out.”


npr--2019-05-28--MacKenzie Bezos Pledges To Give More Than Half Of Her Billions To Charity

MacKenzie Bezos Pledges To Give More Than Half Of Her Billions To Charity  MacKenzie Bezos, who received more than $35 billion in her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has signed the Giving Pledge, making a commitment to give more than half her fortune to charity or philanthropic causes.  "We each come by the gifts we have to offer by an infinite series of influences and lucky breaks we can never fully understand," Bezos wrote in a letter announcing her pledge. "In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share."  As one of the wealthiest women in the world — and the ex-wife of a billionaire who has not signed the Giving Pledge — Bezos is the most prominent name on the list of new signatories to the pledge.  Jeff Bezos celebrated the news, saying via Twitter, "MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I'm proud of her."  Discussing her pledge, MacKenzie Bezos, a novelist, quoted from Annie Dillard's The Writing Life:  By signing the Giving Pledge, wealthy benefactors promise to give away more than half their assets, either during their life or after their death. The group does not require donors to name the organizations or causes they plan to support with the bulk of their fortunes.  Bezos said she will give careful thought to how she distributes the money. And in what may be a sign that she intends to far exceed the pledge's requirement of giving away more than half her money, she added, "It will take time and effort and care. But I won't wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty."  In the past, Bezos has backed several social and charity initiatives, from funding research into cancer and Alzheimer's disease to pushing for marriage equality. And she's currently the executive director of the Bystander Revolution, an anti-bullying group she founded in 2013.  In late 2018, Bezos and her then-husband announced they would spend $2 billion to support homeless families. And they gave millions to TheDream.US, which offers college scholarships for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors.  The Giving Pledge was started in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. And while it has been praised as giving very public inspiration to anyone who wants to help others, the pledge has also been criticized for lacking a legal enforcement tool.  Those who sign the Giving Pledge make "a moral commitment to give more than half of their wealth to philanthropy or charitable causes," according to the Giving Pledge's website. And while the wealthy donors use the group to share ideas about how to use their money effectively, their funds are not pooled for a common goal.  Complicating matters further, many wealthy signatories of the pledge create family trusts and charitable foundations — steps that, while having the potential to spread their wealth around, can also make it hard to define when their personal pledge has been fulfilled.  More than 200 wealthy philanthropists have now committed to the Giving Pledge, the group announced Tuesday. Other notable new pledges include Pinterest co-founder Paul Sciarra and his wife, Jennifer; WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton and his wife, Tegan; and Ryan D. "Jume" Jumonville, owner of the health care company United Networks of America.  This year's pledge class also includes Stewart and Sandy Bainum, whose fortune derives in part from Stewart Bainum's longtime leadership roles at Choice Hotels International and Artis Senior Living.


skynewsus--2019-05-28--Amazon boss ex-wife pledges half her 36bn fortune to charity

Amazon boss' ex-wife pledges half her $36bn fortune to charity

Ex-wife of Amazon boss pledges to give half her $36bn fortune to charity  Ex-wife of Amazon boss pledges to give half her $36bn fortune to charity  Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos pictured at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in California  The ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has promised to give away to charity half of the reported $36bn (£28.4bn) she received following her divorce.  MacKenzie Bezos finalised her split from the world's richest man in April and it is claimed she received a 4% stake in the online shopping giant.  On Tuesday, she became one of 19 people to join the Giving Pledge, which started in 2010 by 40 of the wealthiest people in the US, including Bill Gates.  It involves billionaires pledging more than half of their wealth to charitable causes, either while they are alive or when they die.  The 49-year-old, who is the world's third-richest woman, said in a letter: "We each come by the gifts we have to offer by an infinite series of influences and lucky breaks we can never fully understand.  "In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share.  "My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won't wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty."  Jeff Bezos, who tops the Forbes list of world billionaires with an estimated net worth of $131bn (£103.5bn), was quick to support his ex-wife following their amicable divorce.  He tweeted: "MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I'm proud of her. Her letter is so beautiful. Go get 'em MacKenzie."  He is not among the 204 wealthy people from 23 counties who have signed up to the Giving Pledge, which on its website says is "not a legal contract" - but a "moral commitment to give".


sottnet--2019-01-27--The richest man on earth Jeff Bezos drops a token of his 160B fortune to charity

The richest man on earth, Jeff Bezos drops a token of his $160B fortune to charity

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has given only a tiny fraction of his $160 billion fortune to philanthropic causes, falling far behind fellow billionaires such as Bill and Melinda Gates and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, public records show.Although Bezos, 55, and his estranged wife MacKenzie recently pledged $2 billion to a new charitable initiative,Out of $100,000, that would be like spending $90.06 on charity.said Queens City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, whose district includes Long Island City, where Amazon plans to set up a corporate headquarters. "When they make promises of how generous they will be, I look at what they have done in the past to know what the truth really is."Over nearly two decades, Jeff Bezos has given paltry donations to the Bezos Family Foundation, a charity that was started by his parents in Washington state in Sept. 2000, state incorporation filings show.Between 2000 and 2017, Bezos contributed just under $6 million to the group that Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos kickstarted with $20,000. Ma and Pa Bezos, who were early investors in their son's fledgling company in 1995, are worth as much as $30 billion today.In 2004, Bezos, who had already amassed a net worth of just over $2 billion, joined the board of his parents' non-profit, along with his wife and siblings Mark and Lisa and their respective partners, according to tax filings for the group reviewed by The Post.In 2017, Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos contributed $30,266,250 in stock to their charity, public documents show. (The foundation makes donations to educational initiatives in the US and around the world.)It wasn't until 2011 that Jeff Bezos, whose wealth had shot up to more than $18 billion, finally gave his first contribution to the Bezos Family Foundation: $940,538 in Amazon stock through Zefram LLC, a company that he controls, federal filings show.As his wealth climbed, Bezos continued to keep a tight rein on his cash, at least when it came to his family charity. In 2015, the year his wealth took a nearly $30 billion leap and his net worth shot up to $58.4 billion, the family foundation received a total of $5,002,590 in Amazon stock from Jeff and MacKenzie, public records show.The $5,943,128 the tech titan donated to his parents' charity over the last 17 years averages less than $350,000 annually.Bezos has long been known for his stingy ways with employees at Amazon. According to Brad Stone's 2013 book The Everything Store, meals in the company cafeterias are not subsidized for workers and new employees receive a backpack with orientation materials and various pieces of equipment, including a power adaptor, that they are asked to return upon resignation.But in the last year Bezos seems to have opened his philanthropic spigot slightly. He took to Twitter to ask his 700,000 followers for suggestions on the direction his philanthropy should take, and he recently doled out $33 million to finance scholarships for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children and $10 million to With Honor, a political action committee that helps veterans enter politics.After announcing the creation of thean initiative to battle homelessness and support early childhood education with the creation of Montessori schools in needy neighborhoods in September, Bezos earmarked $97.5 million to homeless charities across the country.who signed on to billionaire investor Warren Buffett's 2006 challenge to give half their fortune to philanthropy.is the most generous philanthropist in the US according to a survey by "The Chronicle of Philanthropy," a Washington-based group that tracks giving. Gates has given out $35.8 billion - more than one third of his current $96 billion net worth - in contributions to global health, education and relief projects from his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation since 2000. In 2018, federal filings show the couple doled out nearly $5 billion in contributions, equivalent to 5 percent of their wealth, in a single year.Last year, Bloomberg, who is worth an estimated $46.3 billion, pledged $1.8 billion to Johns Hopkins University, to be used exclusively for financial aid. Previously, he has donated a total of more than $6 billion to charitable causes, or nearly 13 percent of his net worth.Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, whose wealth is estimated at $54.3 billion, has pledged to donate 99 percent of his shares in the social media site to charity.In Long Island City, where Amazon is set to gain more than $1.5 billion in city tax credits and a helipad for executive use in exchange for agreeing to set up half of its headquarters - the other half is slated for Arlington, VA - the company has so far promised $5 million for "work force development," Van Bramer told The Post. The company said that it plans to create 25,000 jobs in the city."It's not very encouraging," Van Bramer said of Bezos' past lack of largesse, adding that Amazon executives and City Council members are meeting on Wednesday to address the company's role in community development in Long Island City. "Bezos needs to be more philanthropic."


sputnik--2019-03-25--Affluent German Family to Reportedly Give 10 Mln to Charity Due to Nazi Past

Affluent German Family to Reportedly Give €10 Mln to Charity Due to Nazi Past

One of Germany's wealthiest families, the Reimanns, with an estimated net worth of €33 billion and with shares in such companies such as Pret a Manger and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, will donate €10 million to charity after newly emerged evidence revealed that their ancestors backed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, Bild reported on Sunday.  Peter Harf, the spokesman for Reimann's JAB Holding Company, later confirmed to the German newspaper that the Reimanns' ancestors used forced labourers from Russia and France and donated to the SS forces even prior the establishment of Nazi rule in the country.  "It is all correct," Harf said. "Reimann senior and Reimann junior were guilty… they belonged in jail."  This comes after the Reimanns decided to hire historians from the University of Munich in 2014 to study the issue after they found family documents dating back to the times of Nazi rule.  Both of the ancestors are now dead — Reimann senior died in 1954, and the son passed away in 1984.


sputnik--2019-06-20--Hero of the Day Metallica Shocks Manchester Charity Donates 40000 to Fight UK Rough Sleeping

'Hero of the Day': Metallica Shocks Manchester Charity, Donates £40,000 to Fight UK Rough Sleeping

Heavy metal legend Metallica donated £40,000 to homeless charity Coffee4Craig before performing in Manchester earlier this week.  “We didn't really want to get our hopes up,” Coffee4Craig head Hendrix Lancaster told the BBC after discovering that Metallica would support the them through All Within My Hands, the band’s own organisation, a few weeks in advance.  Metallica’s All Within My Hands, which raises funds for charities in the San Francisco Bay Area and donates to music education programmes and food banks, requested that production companies find a charity to support during their tour, and Mr Lancaster’s appearance on the BBC programme Watchdog tipped off one of Metallica’s team members.  Coffee4Craig began after Mr Lancaster and his wife, Risha Lancaster, founded the charity after her brother, Craig White, died whilst sleeping rough in Cardiff in 2013 after suffering from mental health issues. The charity aims to help “those most vulnerable to regain some dignity and well-being”.  Metallica fans and charities alike showered the band with praise on social media and congratulated Coffee4Craig for receiving such a gesture of goodwill.  Coffee4Craig volunteers were also given the chance to meet the band and attend their Manchester show, where the band gave them the donation.  “The donation blew us away, not only the financial donation but all the leftover food from catering and dressing rooms went to our out-of-hours drop in,” Mr Lancaster said. “They were very humble and really interested in what we do and who Craig was.”  According to Mr Lancaster, the charity costs £2,000 a week to operate, adding that “we're not going to be panicking about getting stuff” following Metallica’s donation. Metallica is set to perform at Twickenham Stadium on 20 June before continuing their tour across Europe.


sputnik--2019-07-21--Cougar Robin Hood British Lady Uses Silver Sex Appeal to Raise Over 100000 for Charity

'Cougar Robin Hood': British Lady Uses Silver Sex Appeal to Raise Over $100,000 for Charity

Fran Sawyer, a 50-year old lady from the UK, has come up with an interesting way of helping charitable fundraisers: by rewarding her social media followers who donate to such causes with sexy photos of herself.  According to the Daily Star, she already raised about $125,000 for charities via this method, styling herself as a "sexy Robin Hood".  In an interview with the newspaper, Fran, whose 15-year old son was born with a tumour and whose father had MS, revealed that she spend quite a lot of time at hospital and "realised there were so many kids that needed disability aids".  "So I created the cougar with a little bit of a twist. I’ve used my sexuality for the last three years – people have bought my pictures and even my hair when I shaved it off," she said. "I look at the different charity pleas on GoFundMe and I just take the link for a person’s page and put it on my social media. Then I tell my fans to put any money they want into that person’s funding."  According to the newspaper, Fran usually asks her followers to send her a screenshot confirming their donation, to which she then responds with a “saucy snap” of herself as thanks; this scheme ensures that the money goes directly to charity causes.  "I love seeing people happy after I’ve helped them. There was a guy who needed a special wheelchair to play rugby and three months after he got it, he tried to thank me," she confessed. "But I feel really embarrassed by it all. I just reply ‘I use what Mother Nature gave me’."


sputnik--2019-12-12--Naughty and Nice: Instagram Babe Strips to Raise Money for Christmas Charity

Gemma McCourt, who runs a travel/lifestyle blog and posts racy content online, has decided to use her assets for charitable giving.  Last Saturday, she announced a 24-hour-long fundraiser: every penny viewers spent on her private account on the members-only platform OnlyFans would go to Crisis UK, a national charity for homeless people.  “Every £28.87 reserves 1 seat this Christmas,” she wrote. “I’m also using the live feature on my page for the first time.”  A subscription to McCourt’s account costs $14.99 per month; her pay-to-view private messages, as well as other content, are available there for an additional price.  As for the wholesome folks who don’t what to see her naked photos, she encouraged them to donate directly to the charity or to her OnlyFans account.  The 22-year-old raised a total of £1,443.50 ($1,900) in 24 hours.  She shared a screenshot of her donation with her 65,000 subscribers on Twitter, saying: “I’ve round this up to cover the cost of 50 places for the homeless at Christmas. I genuinely really appreciate everyone’s support.”


tass--2019-04-23--Sport and Charity Become One at SPIEF 2019

St. Petersburg, April 23. Acting Governor of the Kursk Region Roman Starovoit will lead the region’s delegation to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2019). The Forum will take place in St. Petersburg on 6–8 June 2019 under the main theme of Creating a Sustainable Development Agenda.  Roman Starovoit also plans to join the Roscongress SPIEF Race. The Roscongress Foundation and World Class, Russia’s largest gym chain, organize the race. The first SPIEF Race was held in 2016. About 300 people participated that year.  "I look forward to being a part of and joining such a large-scale sporting event as Roscongress SPIEF Race. As far as the participants, the place and the format, it is a fine and unique initiative. I sincerely support the Foundation in this project. For me, participation in the race is a continuation of a heart-warming tradition that we are also actively keeping up in the Kursk Region. We have the ‘Kursk Runs. You Run’ project through which we promote sports, a healthy lifestyle and philanthropy. I believe that together with as many people as possible, both in deed and word, we can achieve better results. Everyone is important because the positive changes first occur within ourselves and then spread beyond. A sport like nothing else encourages it, builds endurance, and in our case, also a team spirit, when the race is not just for strong body and soul, but for a meaningful purpose! The Roscongress Foundation's particular attention to philanthropy and organization of such events are particularly gratifying, and we are excited to step in," - said Roman Starovoit, Acting Governor of the Kursk Region.  "Kursk Runs. You Run" is a charity project of the Kursk Region for those into sports and helping children. It is a way to directly support families in hardships: multi-child households, fire victims, single mothers, disabled children and children in need of expensive medical treatment. Anyone can participate in a race by donating 100 roubles or more to the account of The World of Childhood regional charity Marathon.  Age group 18+  **The Roscongress Foundation** is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions, exhibitions, and public events.  The Roscongress Foundation was founded in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, and helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.  The Foundation’s events draw more than 80,000 participants each year from 195 countries, with more than 10,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 2,500 people working in Russia and abroad. In addition, it works in close cooperation with economic partners from 75 countries worldwide.  www.roscongress.org  **The Social Platform** is a strategic initiative of the Roscongress Foundation that aims to establish and maintain a stable dialogue between the business, government and civil society structures. We create feedback tools within the framework of existing forums, continuously promote the social agenda, and facilitate the development of a healthy social environment and philanthropy in Russia. The platform’s mission is to facilitate the consolidation, establishment of a dialogue, and cooperation between the entities involved in the social ecosystem and also promote socially significant projects and the development of a culture of social inclusion in Russia.  In February 2019 the Innosocium Foundation for Social Development Aid was established. The Foundation’s main objectives are to provide practical support for priority areas of social development, create and promote the social agenda at the communication platforms of the Roscongress Foundation, implement socially significant and charitable initiatives, facilitate the development and enhance the effectiveness of NPOs and corporate social responsibility in addition to international cooperation within the sustainable development agenda, and strengthen the positive image of Russia. The key focuses of Innosocium are social issues, culture, education, the environment, social communications, and women’s leadership. One key aspect of the Innosocium Foundation’s activities is to participate in business programme events organized by the Roscongress Foundation as well as organize sessions using its own platform.


tass--2019-08-07--Ballet dancer Polunin opens charity fund to support and encourage arts in Russia

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Choreographer and ballet dancer Sergei Polunin has established a charity fund to support talented kids and professional dancers, the dancer told TASS.  "We have just picked up the charity fund registration certificate from the Russian Ministry of Justice. Its full name is 'Sergei Polunin’s Charity Foundation for Support and Encouragement of Arts'," he said.  The choreographer pinpointed the three key aims of the fund. The first is to search for young talented children across Russia, while the fund can also support kids from other countries. The second is patronage of professional dancers, ballet masters, choreographers, composers and artists. "It is equally important to support artists when they have already reached the professional level and, on the contrary, have reached the age which is considered as pre-retirement in this profession. The world of classical dance is hierarchical and even despotic, the rigid limitations often make it impossible to fully explore the talent and realize all ideas," he added.  Polunin stressed that the third aim of the fund is to encourage the development of ballet as an art and create choreography of the future.  The dancer also noted that the fund is currently devising its first charity programs. "We will present them later, while we begin with scouting and personal grants. The fund’s board of trustees is also being formed now. We are holding partnership negotiations now. We will be glad to work with companies and organizations that share our values. We have ambitious plans," Polunin stated.  The ballet dancer also pointed out that he understands the importance of personalized support first-hand, his ballet trainings in London were sponsored by the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, and now he knows how this mechanism works and what can be improved. He also told TASS that he had taken up supporting four young talents in Serbia this year, while the fund’s creation will allow him to carry out a larger-scale and more systematic work in Russia.  Sergei Polunin was born on November 20, 1989 in Kherson (Ukrainian SSR). At the age of 13, the would-be dancer moved to London where he studied at the British Royal Ballet School. From 2007 to 2012, Polunin was the Royal Ballet’s principal dancer.  In 2012, he became the principal dancer of the Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theater and, at the same time, permanent guest principal dancer of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater. In 2016, he was invited for a position of the guest principal dancer at the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich.  In 2016, Stephen Cantor’s biopic about Sergei Polunin’s life and career was nominated for the Producers Guild of America Award in the best documentary category. In 2017, he also played a role in Murder on the Orient Express, as well as played a bit part in Red Sparrow (2018) alongside Jennifer Lawrence.  In the end of 2018, Polunin received Russian citizenship.


theblaze--2019-03-25--Company that owns big businesses like Krispy Kreme Panera is terribly sorry for ancestors Nazi pa

Company that owns big businesses like Krispy Kreme, Panera, is terribly sorry for ancestors’ Nazi past. So it plans to donate $11 million to charity.


thedailybeast--2019-04-15--Bernie Sanders Donated 226 to Charity Tax Returns Show

Bernie Sanders Donated 2.26% to Charity, Tax Returns Show

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) released a decade’s worth of tax returns on Monday, detailing millions in income—2.26 percent of which he donated to charity.  The documents show that over the years, Sanders’ income ranged from $205,617 to $1.1 million, while his charitable giving ranged from less than 1 percent to just over 4 percent depending on the year.  Last year, Sanders’ total income was $566, 421 and he donated $18,950 or 3.35 percent. In 2017, his income was $1.1 million and he gave away $36,300 or 3.15 percent. The year before that he also made more than $1 million but donated $10,600 or less than 1 percent.  His income peaked in 2016 and 2017 due to sales of his book, Our Revolution.  Based on IRS data, Sanders’ rate of giving was below the average for his income bracket in some years and or at or above in other years.  Sanders had resisted releasing his tax returns during his last run for office, sparking speculation as to what would be in the records that could prove political problematic.  The top line number shows that the Senator is among the millionaire class that he often bemoans. But the charitable giving also presents its own set of political vulnerabilities, which Sanders’ team appeared to acknowledge in a statement on its website explaining that the tax returns do not include proceeds from one of his books, The Speech, “which are donated directly to charity.”  “The Sanders do not take a tax deduction for those contributions, so they do not show up on their tax returns,” the statement read. “The Sanders’ donations have gone primarily to senior centers, low-income organizations, educational entities, and environmental and housing advocacy groups,” the statement said.  Reached for additional comment, Sanders’ campaign spokeswoman Arianna Jones noted that the senator’s policy platform calls for a greater government footprint in areas that are currently struggling to survive on charitable largesse.  “Over the last decade, Bernie and Jane Sanders have donated more than $100,000 to charity. Their overall charitable giving rates have been roughly in line with the average rates in America as a whole,” the statement read.  “In some years, they gave more than 3 or 4 percent of their income to charity. They have given to senior centers, low-income organizations, educational entities, and environmental and housing advocacy groups. They also believe that while voluntary charitable donations are commendable, they can never replace ongoing public investments in major social programs and services that improve people’s lives.”


thedailybeast--2019-06-23--Scouted TOMS Added Four Issues to Its Charitable Portfolio From Ending Gun Violence to Access to S

Scouted: TOMS Added Four Issues to Its Charitable Portfolio, From Ending Gun Violence to Access to Safe Water

We all know that behind the comfortable, throw-on-and-go nature of TOMS is a charitable mission that gives shoes to those in need with every purchase. But with their newest charitable endeavor, Stand For Tomorrow, you can choose what your purchase goes towards.  TOMS has expanded that charitable mission to include four additional issues that affect millions of people globally. Choose your favorite style, then choose the issue that you want to support, whether that’s giving shoes, ending gun violence, providing access to safe water, supporting equality, supporting mental health resources, or giving back to the homeless. You’ll also get $10 off your first order, which makes it even easier  to donate. Stand For Tomorrow is about owning the issue that you find important in your life and taking a step (get it?) towards a better world.  You can choose any style, from the classic canvas slip-on to a pair that you’ll wear to all those upcoming summer weddings. Pick your stand and do your part.  Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.


thedailycaller--2019-05-29--MacKenzie Bezos Plans To Give Half Of Her 37 Billion Fortune To Charity

MacKenzie Bezos Plans To Give Half Of Her $37 Billion Fortune To Charity

MacKenzie Bezos announced Tuesday she would be donating half of her fortune, received in the divorce from ex-husband Jeff Bezos, to the Giving Pledge.  MacKenzie, 49, is one of the wealthiest women in the world and the announcement makes her one of the most prominent people to sign the pledge this year, according to a report published by NPR.  “In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share,” MacKenzie shared. “My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”  MacKenzie now owns a four percent stake in Amazon equaling roughly $36 billion. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has not signed the pledge himself, but celebrated MacKenzie’s decision on Twitter. (RELATED: MacKenzie Bezos Takes 25% Of Amazon Stock In Finalized Divorce)  “MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I’m proud of her,” Jeff shared in a tweet.  The Giving Pledge was started by Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet in 2010. People who sign the pledge make “a moral commitment to give more than half of their wealth to philanthropy or charitable causes.” The organization announced they now have more than 200 philanthropists contributing.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-03--Savvy shoppers scramble to classy Edinburgh charity shop for slash price designer goods

A charity shop in an upmarket area of Edinburgh has been hit with a Black Friday-style scramble after it put designer goods up for sale at bargain prices.  Shoppers queued outside Shelter Scotland in the city’s Stockbridge area for the chance to grab a pair of designer Christian Louboutin shoes for £50 and Cashmere knitwear for just £10 in the 16th annual event.  Around £4000 ended up being raised in the first two hours of the sale after store opened at 10am.  Thrifty shoppers grasped the opportunity to land some high-end bargains on designer items and collectibles.  The sale included items from top brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Christian Louboutin, Amanda Wakely, and Tommy Hilfiger.  A first edition of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Two Towers was just one of the high-end items for sale at £500.  Some of the fashion items of note this year include a Tory Burch designer leather jacket for £100 and an Ede & Ravenscroft Man’s Herringbone wool coat for £60.  A desirable Victorian silk top hat still in its original leather case went on sale for £100.  Other collectibles on sale include dozens of boxed Fleischmann miniature gauge railway trains and carriages, a brass Buddha head and a pink 1960s vintage telephone.  There was also an antique brass microscope by Reichert for £80 and original artworks and prints from £6.  Assistant shop manager, Brenda Myles said: “It’s been manic but well-behaved – we’ve taken around £4,000 in the first two hours.  “People were queuing down the street from early this morning and many have now gone home happy with some fantastic bargains.”  And manager Pete Jew said: “This is our 16th annual January event and I’m delighted to say that we have a fantastic array of designer clothes and collectibles.  “As ever, we are looking forward to welcoming eager shoppers looking for real bargains.  “From Vivienne Westwood to Paul Smith and Cabbages and Roses to Amanda Wakely – the number of designer label bargains is amazing.  “This is an exciting shopping experience unlike any other.”  All funds raised from the annual sale will go towards Shelter Scotland’s work to help tackle homelessness and badly housed households across Scotland.  He added: “This annual event can only happen because of the generosity of our customers and supporters who every year help us raise as much money as possible to support Shelter Scotland’s work.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-03--Wishaw charity makes Lapland dream trip come true for sick kids

Christmas came early for sick youngsters who travelled to visit Santa in Lapland thanks to a Wishaw charity.  The Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation took five children with life-limiting illnesses and their parents to meet the real Father Christmas in Finland on December 22.  The kids and their parents travelled alongside a paramedic and Les and Dream Assistant Laura for the trip of a lifetime.  It was 24 hours packed full of festive fun and adventure.  The group set off at 7am and flew to the North Pole.  Flight attendants on board the TUI flight made sure the kids were geared up for what lay ahead. They played festive songs, had dance-offs with the kids, provided puzzles and delicious food. They even invited the youngsters into the cockpit to meet the pilot.  When the kids arrived at the winter wonderland they had the chance to meet Santa after embarking on a train journey through magical caves. They went snowboarding, husky riding, drove snowmobiles and caught up with Santa’s little helpers.  Les Hoey said: “ It was fantastic to see the wee DreamMakers so excited and enjoying themselves after such a hard year.  “They even got to sit in the cockpit of the plane. That’s our final event of 2018 but Team DreamMaker have so many plans for next yea


thedailyrecord--2019-01-09--Friends pull on football boots for mental health charity in memory of tragic East Kilbride teenager

Friends of tragic East Kilbride teenager Alex Lindsay are to hold a charity football tournament in his memory, marking what would have been his 19th birthday.  The popular St Leonards teen will be remembered during the seven-a-side event at K-Park this Sunday – three days after his birthday – which aims to raise awareness of mental ill-health.  Alex, an apprentice mechanic, former pupil of Calderglen High and avid Motherwell FC supporter, died in his St Leonards home on July 8 last year.  He was described by his heartbroken family as the “most beautiful, handsome boy”. A minute’s applause was held at Fir Park for the dedicated member of fan group Motherwell Bois in the 18th minute of ’Well’s League Cup match with Edinburgh City on July 17 and banners were held aloft in his honour.  An online fund started by the fans raised over £7000 which was donated to a charity chosen by his parents Robbie and Jill.  The Alex Lindsay Cup is set to be an annual celebration of his life organised by close friends Jack Smith, 19, from St Leonards and 21-year-old Stewartfield man Joe McDermott.  More than 120 players have signed up to take part in the knockout tournament, including Alex’s dad Robbie, who will pull his boots on for five minutes in the first match in honour of his beloved son.  Robbie, 47, said: “We are once again overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, not least, Alex’s friends for arranging this tournament in his honour. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who have donated prizes and to those who will lend their support by attending the event on the day.”  As well as marking Alex’s birthday and passing, the lads are aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for Beautiful Inside and Out (BIO).  The charity was set up by Pauline Moriarty following the death of her daughter Jenna, who took her own life, and serves to offer support for those affected by suicide, especially youngsters.  Said Joe: “We wanted to set this up in Alex’s name because football was such a big part of his life. We miss him every day. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of him.  “It seemed fitting to make this a yearly event where a good team of boys can have a kickabout in his name. He knew so many people and every player had their own personal relationship with him – they all jumped at the chance to take part.”  Jack added: “This is in memory of our good friend Alex who, like his favourite Stone Roses song, was adored.”  Each player will pay a donation of £10 and entry is £5 at the gate with all proceeds donated to BIO.  There will be a function in Barocco bar in the Village afterwards for all players taking part. Kick-off is 3pm with the trophy presentation taking place at 6pm.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-09--Parents run half-marathon for charities that helped newborn son during the scariest time of their l

Parents run half-marathon for charities that helped newborn son during the ‘scariest time of their lives’

A Broomridge couple are taking on the Great Stirling Run to raise funds for charities that helped them during the ‘scariest time of their lives’.  Parents Toni Tollan, 21, and Ben Wardrop, 19, are hoping to run the half-marathon for the children’s charities that assisted them with their newborn son Kai.  Kai John Wardrop was born on September 3 with Pierre Robin Sequence, a condition which results in a child having a smaller jaw than normal at birth.  The resulting small chin meant that Kai had difficulty breathing and developed a cleft palate.  Just hours after being born, Kai was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to receive major surgery for a tracheostomy, which mum Toni says was the “only hope for him”.  The young parents had to undergo a “distressing” six weeks training course so they could learn how care for the tracheostomy.  Baby Kai needs to have his tracheostomy changed every second day, otherwise he might not be able to breathe.  Toni told how she has to resuscitate Kai if such an emergency arises.  “This can happen at any point and has happened to me in a clothes shop, in the bath, and on a walk in the rain,” she added. “ It’s very scary but you just have to do it.  “Only Ben and I are trained to look after Kai and his daily needs like his suctions, nebulizer, and tracheostomy changes. He has to be with us at all times.”  She added: “Throughout the pregnancy, we were told we had the perfect baby and there was nothing to worry about. So this was a horrible shock for both of us.  “Kai means absolutely everything to us and we are so proud of him and how he is able to keep smiling every day even though he is going through the wars.”  Mum Toni, from Broomridge, is currently studying Criminology and Psychology at The Open University and hopes to join the police.  Dad Ben is originally from Alva and works as an apprentice electrician for Ross-Shire Engineering.  The couple have been together for four years, and became engaged on September 28 while Kai was still in hospital.  At five weeks old, Kai had another surgery for a jaw distraction, which would help to lengthen the jawbone and allow the child’s tongue to move from the back of the throat.  He had also had to spend seven and a half weeks in an intensive care unit in Glasgow, and is currently waiting to have another two surgeries.  Toni explained that during this time a number of charities had stepped in to provide them with support.  “Ronald McDonald House put us up for the full time Kai was in intensive care, so that we could be close to him,” she said. “Without them, we would not have been able to see our son each day.  “They made the worst time of our lives so much easier and we would love to be able to give back to them.”  Toni and Ben have set up an online fundraiser on JustGiving, receiving £375 in donations so far - 50 per cent of their fundraising total.  The Simplyhealth Great Stirling Run half marathon will take place on April 28.  Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-11--West Lothian climber to tackle Mount Everest base camp for charity that helps step-daughter

A West Lothian woman will climb to the base camp of Mount Everest in a bid to raise money for a charity that helps her step-daughter.  Sarah Thomson, who lives in Polbeth, will take on the massive trek this March for Epilepsy Scotland which supports her step-daughter Lauren.  Sarah said: “Just imaging being in a position of not knowing when you may suffer from a seizure, you could be on the bus, you could be out for drink with friends, you could be surrounded by strangers or doing your ironing.  “This constant worry affects a close family member, it is hard to see the bruises and damage caused when she has not been in a safe place during an episode.”  Sarah said she decided on the Mount Everest journey for her fundraiser because: “You either go big or go home.”  She said: “I said what’s the biggest challenge I could so I picked that one. If I’m going to pick a challenge then pick the biggest.”  The charity climber will begin her challenge on March 7 this year until March 24 and has been training for it for around a year.  Sarah said: “I’ve been training with an outdoor fitness group in West Lothian, Burn It Fitness. I’ve been training outside to get used to the weather.  “I was doing a lot of walking in the Pentlands and the Munros since I signed up to do Everest about a year ago and then about six months ago I decided to step in up another gear.”  Sarah has already raised over £3000 for Epilepsy Scotland and hopes to reach her £5000 target for the charity.  To support Sarah in her charity climb to Everest Base Camp visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-thomson11 .


thedailyrecord--2019-01-11--Wishaw bingo players urged to donate unwanted Christmas presents to charity

Bingo hall bosses have urged players to donate any unwanted presents to charity.  Mecca Wishaw is collecting gifts to donate to the Carers Trust.  Parcels will be handed over to those giving their time to look after elderly, disabled and ill friends and relatives.  Billy MacLeod, manager at Mecca on Kirk Road, said: “Christmas is all about sharing and feeling generous, but we know that some of us do receive gifts that aren’t suitable or that we already have. That’s why we are launching this amnesty campaign to save presents languishing in the back of the cupboard and instead be donated to a worthy cause.  “There are no words to describe the importance of what carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to continue supporting Carers Trust and help make life that little bit easier for the many unpaid carers across Wishaw.”  The bingo hall is open every day, with players able to hand over presents to be regifted.  A survey revealed 71 per cent of Brits received one unwanted parcel this year.  Across the UK, the value for these is likely to top £17m. Bosses want these to be handed out to carers, rather than go to waste.  The Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for those providing vital help across the country.  There are at least 759,000 carers aged 16 and over in Scotland and 29,000 young carers.  The value of their work is estimated at over £10million every year.  To attend a Mecca Club you do need to be aged 18 years or over and be a customer of Mecca Bingo. Joining is free of charge and you can sign-up at 1 or at the club.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-12--Leading sight loss charity seeking volunteers in West Lothian

A leading sight loss charity is calling for volunteers to help run a Bathgate-based support group for people with macular disease.  The Macular Society is appealing for anyone living locally who would be willing to give up some of their time to help run the group.  Duties will include organising meetings, booking speakers and serving refreshments to members.  The Bathgate Macular Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (excluding July, August and December), 1om to 3pm, at the British Legion Hall, 50 North Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 4PP.  Its next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 24.  The group, which is organised by the Macular Society in partnership with local people, is one of more than 400 of its kind in the UK.  It offers information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease.  Macular disease is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk.  The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.  Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement.  There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.  Jamie Cuthbertson, Macular Society regional manager, said: “The Bathgate Macular Support Group provides a real lifeline for people living locally with sight loss.  “The peer support offered by the groups is absolutely vital – it’s incredibly reassuring for people to know that there are others who truly understand their situation.  “With around 300 people in the UK being diagnosed with macular disease every day, the existence of our support groups has never been more important.  “No prior experience of macular disease is needed – just excellent organisational skills, lots of enthusiasm and a passion for helping to make a difference to peoples’ lives.  “Support will be available for all new volunteers from myself and our services and volunteering team as they learn their new roles.  “If you have some free time and would be willing to help out, we would love to hear from you.”  With an ageing population, more and more people are affected by macular disease  It is therefore more important than ever that the charity raises as much money as possible to help fund research into treatments and to help find a cure, as well as continuing to provide information and support for those with macular disease.  Fundraising activities include appeals both for research and services; corporate sponsorship; a weekly lottery and raffle; promotion of events such as runs; our popular Tea for MD parties and recycling schemes.  For more information about the Bathgate Macular Support Group, please contact Jamie Cuthbertson, Macular Society regional manager, on 0141 942 1083 or 07903 520 350, or email jamie.c@macularsociety.org<mailto:jamie.c@macularsociety.org>  For more information on macular disease, call the Macular Society’s Helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org.  Alternatively call the helpline on 0300 3030 111 or 01264 350 551 for more general enquiries.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-13--Santa visit raises over 2700 for West Lothian childrens cancer charity

Santa visit raises over £2700 for West Lothian children's cancer charity

A trip to see Santa Claus boosted the fundraising efforts of children’s cancer charity, Team Jak, thanks to a record-breaking collection.  As well as donations from the public after a visit to the Cameron Toll centre’s free Santa’s grotto, the charity raised a total of £2729.33 from a range of fundraising activity including gift wrapping, sales of reindeer dust and Santa cocoa and a Christmas raffle.  The charity also hosted carol singing in the mall that featured local group Star Harmonies.  The total raised was the highest ever Christmas charity collection at Cameron Toll in Edinburgh.  The Livingston-based charity, which was inspired by teenager Jak Trueman whose life was sadly cut short following a brief and aggressive battle with a rare form of blood cancer, provides practical, social and emotional support to children and young people with cancer and related illnesses, their family and friends and those bereaved.  Allison Barr, CEO at Team Jak said: “We are blown away by the support from all the shoppers at Cameron Toll. They really embraced our charity and we received a very warm welcome.  "We are looking forward to a fabulous year ahead with the opening of our new, bigger, more accessible Den, scheduled to open May 2019.  "The monies raised from the Christmas Activities at Cameron Toll will be going towards the cost of a beautiful bespoke memorial angel tree to remember Jak and all our angels and will have pride of place in our beautiful landscaped gardens.”  Hazel McLinden, fundraising and volunteer co-ordinator for Team Jak said: “We are delighted with the generosity shown by the customers at Cameron Toll but also with the interest shown in the charity and support offered in many other ways.  "Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who helped us achieve this, especially so close to Christmas when everyone is busy but a massive thanks to Santa, he really was superb and it was a delight to listen to his interactions with the children. Hope to see him again Next Year.”  Claire Jefcoate from Cameron Toll Shopping Centre said: “The generosity of the shoppers has led to the highest amount we have ever raised at Christmas. Team Jak’s volunteers made Christmas at Cameron Toll and we are delighted that so much was raised for a charity that does so much for children and families facing cancer and related illness.”  Jak’s Den hosts drop-in sessions, music therapy, counselling, pamper days, alternative therapies, support groups, mindfulness, activity days including cake decorating, puppet making, magic shows, teen days- X-Box and PS4 challenges, arts and crafts, coffee mornings and much more.  In addition, the charity provides bespoke outreach support to families who can’t make it to Jak’s Den and schools support for peer groups and bereavement support.  Team Jak also provides snacks and goody bags to Ward 2 at the Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital and sponsors the Palliative and Bereavement Teams Rainbow Cart which provides items to make a room more homely when a child is sadly going to gain their wings in hospital.  The charity partnership with Cameron Toll Shopping Centre sees Team Jak working with the centre management and its retailers to fundraise and increase awareness of the charity to help it grow and provide care for children, and their families, living with cancer.  For more information on Team Jak, visit www.teamjak.org.uk or call 01506 412302.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-14--West Lothian school kids invited to enter first ever animal charity film competition

West Lothian school kids are being invited to enter the Scottish SPCA’s first ever primary and secondary school film competition.  Scotland’s animal welfare charity visits schools every year to deliver their free Prevention through Education programme, encouraging pupils to become responsible animal citizens.  The programme links in with many areas of the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to encourage empathy and compassion towards animals.  Primary and secondary schools have been invited to submit a short film that educates the public, and in particular their peers, on key animal welfare issues that the Scottish SPCA regularly have to tackle.  The competition gives schools the opportunity to engage their students in a creative and cross curricular activity with the opportunity to win prizes for both themselves and the school.  The judging panel will be looking for innovative and creative methods of conveying a key message to the public, in particular to other school students.  Scottish SPCA head of education and policy, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, said the competition aims to encourage children to riase awareness of the charity and charity encourage kid to contact them if they have concerns over animal welfare.  She added: “Since 2010 we have seen over 300 per cent increase in the number of calls where children have alerted us to animals in need of our help, which saved injured wildlife and uncovered cases of neglect.  "We are thrilled to be launching this competition for both primary and secondary schools and hope that this continues to encourage children and young adults to be #AlwaysAnimalAware.  “We truly believe children are the key to making a real difference to animal welfare in Scotland.”  For more details on the competition and for consent forms and terms and conditions visit the Scottish SPCA website at scottishspca.org/education/.  The winning films will be announced in June 2019.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-15--Glenboig pupils raise nearly 2k for Beatson charity

Glenboig pupils raise nearly £2k for Beatson charity

Pupils at Glenboig Primary were walking on air after smashing their fundraising target for the school’s chosen good cause.  They joined forces with staff and parents to collect a grand total of £1780 for the Beatson cancer charity, through sports day events and a sponsored walk.  Beatson representative Calum McNair – and the charity’s colourful mascot, Bella Bee – recently visited the school to receive the bumper cheque.  Youngsters from the Coatbridge school had first set up their fundraising committee in October 2017 and went on to become the faces of last year’s Off the Beatson Track 10km fundraiser around Glasgow, taking part in a special launch photoshoot at Kelvingrove museum.  They raised the money thanks to all of the Glenboig pupils taking part in a 5k run before their summer sports day; and then a group of 30 youngsters, staff and parents tackling the 10km walk in Glasgow in August.  Click here for more from Monklands  Head teacher Cat Calvert told the Advertiser: “All the children, from Primary One to Primary Seven, did the 5k before our sports day, and we had lots of Beatson flags and paraphernalia for the event; and we then had a big group of pupils, families and staff taking part in Off the Beatson Track.  “Everybody was absolutely delighted with how much was raised – we were hoping for £400 and certainly didn’t expect to achieve that amount.  “It’s testament to the school community and the support given to the children in their fundraising – and it’ll be an ongoing thing as we’ll keep fundraising for the Beatson.”  She added: “Many people are touched by cancer and we felt it was a really appropriate charity to link with, especially with the Lanarkshire Beatson being nearby at Monklands Hospital and the charity doing so much to support local people.  “Calum from the charity had come into the school and spoken with the children; they were really interested in Bella Bee and finding out about what the Beatson does.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-16--Thousands of pounds raised at charity football tournament in memory of tragic East Kilbride teen

A football tournament in memory of a tragic East Kilbride teen has raised thousands for a suicide support charity.  The inaugural Alex Lindsay Cup was held at K-Park on Sunday in tribute to the well-kent footy fan, marking what would have been his 19th birthday.  Around 500 people joined the former Calderglen High pupil’s friends and family in an overwhelming show of support in a bid to raise awareness of mental health.  More than 120 players took part in the knockout tournament with Samuel Bullough, Cammy Fyfe, Ross Martin, Reece and Evan Duffy, Lee Davidson, Cammy Price and Lewis Doherty named winners, winning 2-0 in the final.  Funds will be donated to the Beautiful Inside and Out (BIO), which offers support to those affected by suicide, especially youngsters.  Organiser Joe McDermott, from Stewartfield, said: “The tournament was superb and for over 500 of Alex’s friends making the effort to show support for his family is something I could not be more proud of – it just shows how much Alex was adored.  “There was constant football being played by 120 players. The raffle held at Barocco Bar afterwards was a brilliant way to round off the night and raise even more money for BIO.  “I would not only like to thank K-Park and Barocco Bar for hosting us, I’d like to give a special thank you to everyone who pulled together to help us run this event; from collecting donations with charity buckets, to helping out with the raffle, and even photographing the event.  “And of course to all those who played – we really wouldn’t have had such an excellent day without you.”  Eighteen-year-old Alex was found dead in his St Leonards home on July 8 last year.  His dad Robbie and mum Jill told the East Kilbride News: “We have no words to express how proud we are of all the boys who took part.  “Joe and Jack’s hard work, organisation and determination to succeed resulted in a truly remarkable tribute to their friend. The fact so many turned out to play and support is testament to the seriousness these young people take Alex’s untimely death and how popular he was.  “They are a credit to the youth of today. Thank you everyone for the overwhelming support, yet again.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-16--Wishaw charity given helping by boxing gym owner and promoter

A Wishaw charity received a bumper cash boost this New Year – thanks to a host of sporting events held in 2018.  Les Hoey’s DreamMaker Foundation – which arranges treats for children with life-threatening diseases – received a cheque for £2700 from FSG/Goldstar Promotions.  The company, part-owned by businessman Francis Gilluley who runs the popular Fighting Scots Gym in Bellshill, puts on sporting events all year round, with proceeds from ticket sales and auctions being donated to the good cause.  Such events in 2018 included evenings with boxing legends Tommy ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, Tyson Fury and Roy Jones Junior, as well as football nights with former Rangers manager Walter Smith, and ex-players Lee McCulloch, Ian Durrant and Barry Ferguson. A further £600 will also be donated following the auction of a signed Mike Tyson boxing glove last month.  Francis explained: “We host a number of events throughout the year and work closely with Les Hoey and his DreamMaker Foundation, supporting and promoting the wonderful work they do for children across Lanarkshire and the wider Glasgow area.  “We met with Les prior to Christmas to hand over the cheque for £2700.  “However, we were also delighted to host our annual Boxing Day auction    of a signed Mike Tyson boxing glove, which raised a further £600 for the charity.  “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the charity in 2019.”  Meanwhile, the next FSG event set to take place with proceeds for the charity, is an evening with former Celtic managers Neil Lennon – who is currently at the helm at Hibs – and Gordon Strachan.  The event, which includes a Q&A session, entertainment, stories    from the game, and photo opportunities, will take place at Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre on Friday, February 15.  For tickets please visit the website Culture North Lanarkshire or call 01698 403120.  Meanwhile, Les Hoey’s DreamMaker Foundation are looking for people to take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 28 and help raise money for their small charity.  Les said: “Firstly, a huge thank you for the continued support from FSG/Goldstar Promotions, it is greatly appreciated.  “And secondly, we are receiving new applications daily for the Glasgow Kiltwalk.  “If you would like to support the foundation, then we have discount codes available for the 23-mile and 15-mile walks.  “Please call the office on 01698 651789 for your code.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-24--East Kilbride Celtic fan faces 100 mile Sahara charity challenge in memory of the daughter of a Rang

East Kilbride Celtic fan faces 100 mile Sahara charity challenge in memory of the daughter of a Rangers legend

A Celtic fan is on a mission to raise vital funds for a charity launched to remember the daughter of Rangers legend Willie Henderson.  Fifty-six-year-old Denis Griffin, from the St Leonards area of East Kilbride , has embarked on a 100 mile trek across the Sahara desert this week.  And, by taking on the gruelling challenge, the council print officer is hoping to raise vital funds the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust.  Michelle died on her 28th birthday in October 2012 before fulfilling her goal to set up the charity and in the years since, Denis, Willie and teams of willing volunteers have helped establish her legacy.  Denis was one of the first to help with the charity, having met the former Ibrox winger on a trek through Mongolia.  Although Denis was there on behalf of the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust and Willie for the Davie Cooper centre, the duo found their common goal was to change lives.  Ever since they have joined forces to help tackle the UK’s most common cancer in women under 35.  The dad-of-two said: “We recently were lucky enough to be able to invest £110,000 in a state-of-the-art piece of equipment for the new Victoria hospital.  “The team there have already told us that two cases of cervical cancer have been picked up in women, who without such specialist equipment, may have gone undiagnosed.  “News like that makes it all worthwhile and spurs us on to do more.”  Now a trustee of the charity, Denis has trekked the Indonesian Jungle, Spain’s Camino de Santiago and the volcano Krakatoa, as well as other challenges, helping raise almost £300,000 to date.  Despite the long months of training and the prospect of crossing some of the world’s most forbidding environments, Denis relishes his fundraising trips.  He added: “I’ve been all over the world doing this and so enjoy being part of the charity and seeking out new and unique options for our fundraising events.  “To many people it might sound daunting, but I would encourage anyone even thinking about it, to give it a go.  “For me it has been a life-changer.”  If you would like to support Denis, who is undertaking the trek with colleague Graeme Goodwillie, you can do so here at www.virginmoneygiving.com/graemegoodwillie


thedailyrecord--2019-01-27--A Lanarkshire charity are on a mission to bring African schoolboy here for life-changing surgery

A Lanarkshire charity are determined to bring a deaf African schoolboy here for life-changing surgery.  Project Gambia: People Feeding People have submitted a second visa application in a desperate bid to help young Mohammed Cham, also known as Alieu.  They want to bring him to Scotland for medical treatment that will enable him to hear for the first time.  The charity, who support St John’s School for the Deaf in the Serrekunda area, tried to bring Alieu over last year but had their visa application denied.  Now it is hoped they will find out if the application has been successful in the next few weeks .  Rebecca Lafferty, Project Gambia fundraising director, said: “The plan, should this second visa application be successful, is for Alieu to have the operation done voluntarily by staff here in Lanarkshire.  “This is all with the help of the recent partnership Project Gambia has formed with NHS Lanarkshire and one of Scotland’s top ENT surgeons, and would mean the medical team involved will stay after their shift has been completed to do this operation, so it does not affect the patient care of anyone living in Scotland.”  Lynne MacDonald, Project Gambia trustee, added: “The equipment has also been donated so this operation will run entirely on a volunteer basis.  “We’d like to thank the medical team at University Monklands Hospital. We’d also like to thank the Catholic Diocese of Motherwell. If not for the support we’ve received from the different parishes in the West of Scotland, this venture would not be possible”.  Project Gambia was set up seven years ago to support St John’s School for the Deaf in the Gambia.  Thanks to the charity the school has undergone massive improvements over the years.  These include a school feeding programme that sees the 350 pupils receive food every day and given school uniforms, clothing and learning materials.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-29--Ayr blind swimmer takes to water to raise cash for charity

A blind swimmer has taken to the water in a bid to raise charity cash.  Ayr girl Fern Walker, will attempt more than 1400 lengths over the coming weeks.  The 32-year-old is putting in the aqua miles at her favourite pools in Prestwick and Troon in the hope of raising more than £1000.  Fern, who lives with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), is completing the challenge with the aid of her care team at Partners For Inclusion.  She said: “I really enjoy my swimming and I come to the pool three times a week.  “It will be tough to complete all these lengths and I’ve just started out – but I’m enjoying it so far.”  BBS is a rare genetic disorder with symptoms including sight loss, obesity and reduced kidney function.  Like many other sufferers, Fern was also born with extra digits.  The condition affects just one in 250,000 people across the world.  Sister Leigh, 33, said: “We’re all incredible proud of Fern and what she’s trying to achieve.  “She was diagnosed with BBS at a very young age and her condition, particularly her sight, has deteriorated through time.  “But she is never one to complain so this is typical of her attitude – she’s just determined to get out there and do something worthwhile.”  Staff at Prestwick and Troon pools are helping encourage Fern during her bid, as she tackles up to 50 lengths at a time during each session.  And the former Mainholm Academy pupil hopes to complete the marathon water trip while stacking up the cash for BBS UK.  The charity provides support for those living with the condition and their carers.  Leigh added: “It would be nice if Fern’s story going public could help with her fundraising effort.  “She has her small group of friends and carers but it would mean the world to her to get support from further afield and raise as much as she can.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-30--West Lothian charity champion 75 conquers fear of heights to raise over 3000 with abseil

West Lothian charity champion, 75, conquers fear of heights to raise over £3000 with abseil

A 75-year-old charity champion who has raised over £60,000 for good causes has added to his total after conquering his fear of heights to abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge.  John Thompson was delighted to present cheques for £3067 to both Pathways and Eliburn Support Services, which help additional needs adults aged 16 to 65.  John, an ex-army piper and formerly of the 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers took on the Ultimate Challenge abseil to raise £525 for Chest, Heart and Stroke.  He also received permission to raise money for the two local additional needs charities at the same time.  John, who is a tenant at Bield Retirement Housing at Craigengar Park in Craigshill, put aside his fears and joined 230 other daredevils to take the 165ft plunge from the bridge’s viewing platform to the beach below.  Known locally a as being a “serial fundraiser”, John has raised over £60,000 for various charities over the past 46 years.  But he admitted that this most recent endeavour had been one of the most frightening experiences yet.  John said: “It was terrifying being on the bridge, my knees were shaking.  “I nearly had to bring a spare pair of trousers.  “Although it was scary, it was a great experience and I am proud that I conquered my fear and went through with it.  “I had great support on the day from my friends and family.”  Over the last few years John has raised over £60,000 for various charities and doesn’t intend to stop now, adding: “It’s hard to stop helping other who need it.”  John also volunteers for the Poppy Scotland appeal for three weeks every year in Morrisons at Livingston and Bathgate and last year raised over £7000 with a half mile swim at Xcite Bathgate.  His efforts that time helped six centres for the elderly and patients with dementia and the year before John raised £6000 with a 25 mile cycle for 14 additional needs and autistic schools in West Lothian.  John said this year he’ll be looking to walk from his home in Craigshill to Harthill and aims to keep his fundraising local, helping charities that are close to his heart.  John told the Courier he decided to start fundraising after leaving the Army to give himself something to focus on.  He chose to start raising money for schools for children with additional support needs as his grandson has additional needs.  John said he in his spare time he also enjoys looking after the garden at Craigengar and helps to organise social activities.  He added: “I was delighted to present the cheques for £3067 to each of the centre managers, Lorraine Bolton from Pathways and Mark Crosbie from Eliburn.  “Also in attendance were three West Lothian councillors, Pauline Clark, Damian Timpson and Angela Doran to watch the handover.  “After having some photos taken it was nice to have some tea, coffee and cake and some conversation with a lot of the supporters.  Places are still available for this year’s Ultimate Challenge abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge in aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke. Visit www.abseil.scot.


thedailyrecord--2019-02-02--Lanarkshire charity bringing African school boy to Scotland for surgery

Lanarkshire charity Project Gambia: People Feeding People have been successful in their bid to bring a deaf African school boy to Scotland for life-changing surgery.  The team learned last week that a visa application has been accepted for young Muhammed Cham, known as Alieu.  And he will now travel to Lanarkshire for receive treatment that will enable him to hear for the first time in his life.  Alieu is a pupil at St John’s School for the Deaf, in the Serrekunda region of the African nation, and first met the Project Gambia team last year while they were they were there on an aid mission.  HAMILTON ADVERTISER: All the top news as it happens  The volunteers were touched by the fact that Alieu had been born with no ears.  And with the help of Arunachalam Perumkulam Iyer and his team at University Hospital Monklands, he arrives next Saturday to get the gift of hearing.  Project Gambia co-founder Frank Devine said: “We are delighted to announce that the visa has been accepted for Muhammed to come to Scotland to receive life-changing medical treatment.  “Project Gambia co-founder Paul Lafferty flew out to The Gambia on Saturday to return to Scotland this weekend coming with Alieu.  FACEBOOK: Join in the chat with thousands of our followers  “Arrangements will then be made for the operation to take place at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie. This will take place after Arunachalam Perumkulam Iyer and his medical team have finished their shifts, so that it won’t affect the patient care of any UK citizens.  “Thank you to everyone who has helped make this impossible venture possible, including Alasan Camara, our volunteer in the Gambia. Also to Sharon Wardle, the High Commissioner to the Gambia, and her deputy, Gregor Gorman, for their support of the visa application.  “Thank you also to Andrew Coleman and his associates at Latta Law for their support and guidance with the application. We’d also like to give a special thank you to all of our fantastic supporters and volunteers, who have been supporting and praying for us every step of the way and have made this dream come true.”


thedailyrecord--2019-02-08--Nine year old with anxiety thanks Rutherglen charity by donating her savings

A kind-hearted young girl, who credits Project 31 with helping her overcome anxiety, has donated her savings to the charity.  Rebecca Brady, nine, donated £222 to the play scheme after she and her two brothers – Jack, 13, and four-year-old Calum – saved their spare change over several months.  The trio normally spend their savings while on holiday, but this week handed much of it over to Project 31 which has brought them joy for years.  The charity, which provides organised play activities throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang, proved especially valuable to the Brady family in 2018 as Rebecca was struggling with her confidence.  Her mum Donna Brady said: “Last year Rebecca had a lot of anxiety and confidence issues.  “She had been working through that and Project 31 really helped her.  “The Young People’s Park is an event where the children go independently [from their parents] with Project 31 workers at Cambuslang Park.  “They do forest school things, team work, learn new skills and it really helps things like anxiety. Rebecca has come on so much, I can’t believe the difference in her. Friends and family are commenting so much on how she is coming out of her shell.”  Donna added: “Lorna Bamford and Elizabeth Dewar at Project 31 – Rebecca thinks they are absolutely wonderful. They are great role models for her.  “She wants to volunteer and become a member of staff when she is older. She is hoping to volunteer soon and pass on what they have taught her.”  Explaining that Rebecca and her brother Jack were amongst the first children to attend project 31 events when the scheme started in 2011, Donna says that the team of staff and volunteers are incredible at looking at each child’s needs at their activities.  She takes all three children to sessions for the whole family and says her children wanted to “give back” to an organisation that has been so supportive of them.  Donna added: “We saved pennies, five and 10 pences all last year.  They usually take that on holiday with them, but they kept some back, adding to it, and family members helped with the donation too.  Delighted Lorna Bamford, project manager of Project 31, said: “We always feel very lucky when we receive donations to the project, but this is a very special one indeed!  “The brilliant Rebecca, who was one of our first ever Project 31ers, her brothers Calum and Jack and their family have been saving their pennies for us since last March.  “We can’t tell you how much this is appreciated or how much such kindness means.  “Funding is a constant challenge and takes up far more of our time and energy than we would like it to, so donations like this really are amazing.”  Project 31 hosts a range of activities for people of all ages at venues across the Camglen area.  For more information search for Project 31 on Facebook or log on to www.project31.co.uk


aljazeera--2019-01-29--Zimbabwe lawyers demand independent judiciary to try protesters

Lawyers in Zimbabwe are demanding a free and fair justice system for hundreds of anti-government protesters arrested earlier this month.  The lawyers fear interference in their clients' fast-track trials by both the ruling party and the security forces.