Befriend a Child is delighted to announce Dales Marine Services as the 2025 official sponsor of the much-loved Giving Tree Appeal.
The Giving Tree Appeal is one of Befriend a Child’s most cherished annual campaigns, bringing festive joy to the local children and young people supported by the charity who are living in difficult life circumstances. With the generosity of local businesses, organisations and individuals, the appeal ensures that every child supported by Befriend a Child has a gift to open on Christmas morning, creating moments of magic at a time of year that can be especially difficult for many.
This year, thanks to the sponsorship of Dales Marine Services, Befriend a Child will be able to reach even more children and their families, spreading the joy of Christmas further than ever before. Founded in Aberdeen, Dales Marine Services is a leading UK marine engineering and ship repair company, renowned for its expertise and commitment to supporting local communities. Their sponsorship reflects the company’s dedication to giving back and making a difference to families across the region.
Kevin Paterson, CEO at Dales Marine Services, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for many children and families, and we’re proud to support Befriend a Child in helping to bring a little joy and hope this festive season.
At Dales Marine Services we believe in the power of community and connection. Supporting the Giving Tree campaign is a way for us to share that spirit, reminding us that every gift placed under the tree represents kindness, care, and the belief that small acts can make a big difference.”
Jenna Simpson, Senior Fundraising Co-ordinator at Befriend a Child said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dales Marine Services for coming on board as sponsor this year. Their generous support is helping us to widen the reach of this special campaign, allowing us to connect with even more children and families across the region who need a little extra joy at Christmas time and beyond. Thanks to the kindness of our partners, supporters and Dales Marine Services, we are inviting even more local organisations to stand with us this year and help make the 2025 Giving Tree Appeal our most impactful yet”
Befriend a Child is deeply grateful to Dales Marine Services for their generous support. Their sponsorship not only helps provide gifts under the tree but also sends a powerful message of care and community to the children and families we support, showing them that they are valued, thought of and deserving of joy at Christmas. If you would like to be involved in this year’s appeal, there are many ways to get involved:
- Display Giving Tree gift tags - in your workplace, premises or community setting so staff, clients or visitors can choose a tag and buy a gift for a child.
- Select a gift from their Amazon Wish List - making it quick and easy to contribute from home, choosing gifts that have been hand-selected by the team at Befriend a Child and volunteers who know the children so well.
- Make a virtual donation - help fund special experiences for a child and their volunteer befriender or mentor to enjoy together in 2026, creating precious memories that last long beyond Christmas.
Together, with the kindness of supporters and the sponsorship of Dales Marine Services, Befriend a Child can continue to bring light, joy and festive magic to children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this Christmas.
If you would like to take part in the Giving Tree Appeal, you can register your interest and receive more information here - https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/support-us/appeals/giving-tree-appeal-2025/