Aberdeen based charity, Aberdeen Association of Social Services (more commonly known as VSA) will be celebrating 150 years of changing the lives of vulnerable children and adults living across the North East of Scotland in 2020.
The charity are currently planning various activities that will take place throughout 2020 which communities across the North East and further afield can get involved with to help celebrate this historic milestone.
One event which is sure to be the highlight of the charity’s anniversary year, is an exclusive (and one off) anniversary ball which will take place on Her Majesty The Queen’s private estate in Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle.
James Hamilton Goddard of Balmoral Estate said “We are delighted to announce that By Gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen, VSA charity will be holding their changing lives ball at Balmoral in November 2020.”
Jennifer Mitchell, director of external relations VSA said “2020 marks a historic milestone in VSA’s history, and we are very honoured that our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen has given us exclusive permission for our 150th Changing Lives Ball to take place at Balmoral Castle next year. We recently launched a campaign to raise £3.2 million to build a new mental well-being facility in the heart of Aberdeen, any monies raised on the evening at this event will help go towards our mental health campaign”
The charity’s connection with the Royal Household dates back to 1870 when Queen Victoria granted patronage; and every reigning monarch since has been Patron of VSA.
The ball which will take place on November 7, 2020, will have 600 guests in attendance. Local businesses Apache, Balmoral Group and John Clark motor group have already stepped forward to give support. Headline sponsor Mark Hobbs, Vice President of Apache – North Sea Operations, “Apache takes great pride in partnering with organisations such as the VSA, enabling services and benefits for our local community. We are delighted to support the 2020 VSA’s Changing Lives Ball at Balmoral Castle, celebrating 150 years of social care support and services. VSA have transformed the lives of many vulnerable people and their families, providing them with the opportunity and environment to feel safe, welcome and able to achieve their full potential.”
Jim Milne chairman of the Balmoral Group who are also supporting this event adds- “VSA deserves the highest commendation for supporting some of the most vulnerable citizens of Aberdeen and beyond for 150 years; truly a milestone worth celebrating. “It is our pleasure to be a main sponsor of what promises to be a remarkable event and to assist VSA with its campaign to continue ‘changing lives’ for the generations ahead.”
To find out further information about sponsorship opportunities or ways in which you can support the event, please visit www.vsa.org.uk
Kenneth Simpson, Jennifer Mitchell, Maggie Wilson, Mark Hobbs, Ken Lowe, Stuart Taylor, Susan Greig and Steve Gibb