Aberdeen-based charity, Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF), has launched a new initiative to meet growing demand for the support they provide to families with a disabled child in North-east Scotland.
Building on the success of GEF’s monthly child sponsorship programme in Kenya, which funds school fees and ensures children can remain in education without fear of being sent home, the foundation has been expanding its efforts closer to home. The new initiative will enable them to provide life-changing support to many more families and children in the region.
The charity, which has already provided vital assistance to 20 young people across the North-East, is now inviting individuals and businesses to become monthly sponsors to help deliver consistent, sustained support to children who need it most. While in Kenya each sponsor is directly linked to a specific child, in Scotland the contributions will be pooled to meet the varied and often specialist needs of local children and families. Sponsors will receive an annual update from the charity, highlighting the impact their support has made for children and families in the region.
Myles Edwards, GEF co-founder, said: “Over the past year we’ve seen a big rise in the number of families reaching out for help. The nature and cost of support varies greatly depending on the specific needs of a child. Some of our support is regular, for example in the form of blocks of hippotherapy sessions costing up to £200. Whereas an example of a one-off support could be a contribution towards a wheelchair or a hoist costing up to £3,000. On average, the support of one child costs £110 per month. Launching this initiative allows us to respond quickly and sustainably, ensuring that every child we support has access to the opportunities and resources they deserve.”
Local organisation, Brimmond Financial Planning, has become the first company to pledge a monthly donation to both the foundation’s Scotland and Kenya programmes. The company will sponsor two children, Stephen and Moses, in Kenya and contribute to GEF’s North-East Scotland work, donating a total of £250 per month, with £80 of that going directly towards the education sponsorships in Kenya.
Kris Urquhart, Director at Brimmond said: “We’re proud to support Gathimba Edwards Foundation in their mission to transform children’s lives both locally and internationally. The difference they make is incredible, and we’re delighted to play a part in that journey.”
To learn more about supporting children in the North-East of Scotland, visit: https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/support-children-in-scotland/