North-east children's charity sees huge support for Christmas campaign
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AberNecessities has sent its heart-felt thanks to the people and the business community of the north-east for its generosity, after experiencing a 400 per cent increase in requests for support in December.
Thanks to generous financial donations, gifts and exceptional volunteer time given to the festive Believe in Magic campaign, AberNecessities was able to support 5124 disadvantaged local babies, children and families living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The Believe in Magic campaign ran alongside AberNecessities’ everyday operations, which supports families facing financial hardship, by providing essential items such as winter clothing, bedding, blankets, toiletries, nappies, formula milk and non-perishable food.
In December, AberNecessities experienced a 400 per cent increase in the number of applications for basic essentials.
AberNecessities founder Danielle Flecher-Horn said: “We have witnessed an enormous amount of generosity in the run up to Christmas, and we would like to thank every single person and business who contributed.
“We are so very proud to be able to provide gifts for children who would not otherwise be able to experience the magic of Christmas.
"Most adults can visualise the joy in children’s faces at Christmas time, the wonder of the season and making magical memories.
"It is a lovely feeling to know that parents have pyjamas to keep their children cosy, and a story to read together on Christmas Eve, creating special moments that will last a lifetime.
“The generosity of local businesses and the public in helping to make this possible is a wonderful demonstration of the compassion that exists in our community.
“The past few years have been extremely challenging for everyone, but the growth of AberNecessities is a testament to the generosity of the people of our city and shire.
“Local businesses have stepped up and shown that they really care about our community, not just with financial donations but also by allowing staff time off to volunteer alongside our team.
"At this busy time of year, we have been hugely impressed that people have taken time to help us – we absolutely could not have supported 5124 children without their kindness”.
Companies supporting AberNecessities this Christmas included Ithaca Energy, KCA Deutag, Altus Intervention, Stork, Tetra Technologies UK Ltd, True North, Dolphin Drilling, IPS Group and Worley.
Rachel Reilly, Ithaca Energy communications, corporate affairs and events associate said: “We are delighted to provide support to AberNecessities. Beyond our initial donation, teams from across Ithaca Energy have proudly committed their time through volunteering at AberNecessities HQ and generously donating.
"We share the charity’s vision of creating a brighter, warmer and more magical season for local children and it has been an honour to support their fantastic work in the community this Christmas."
Sarah Walters, senior vice-president of HR and shared services, said: “We are extremely proud to have partnered with AberNecessities this year, the work they do in helping disadvantaged families is truly valuable to the community in and around Aberdeen.
"As a business, our Culture of Care drives us to engage with and support the communities where we live and work, and our people have been proud to donate their time to volunteer and fundraise for this important cause throughout the year.”
