A charity support centre which provides support to those affected by cancer in the North-east of Scotland has received a welcome four-figure donation from the Aberdeen Charitable Foundation.
The Maggie’s Centre on the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary campus has received a £2,400 contribution to its Pay for a Day scheme, providing funding for its operation – and helping around 60 people each day in the Aberdeen area affected by cancer.
Opened in 2014, the centre operates a drop-in service which is open to anyone affected by cancer – whether patients, carers, friends or family members. Offering a range of services from drop-in sessions for patients and gentle Qi Gong exercise sessions to support in filling out benefits applications, the centre provides much-needed support for those who need its services.
Susan Sutherland, centre head at Maggie’s Aberdeen, says, “It costs £2,400 to run a Maggie's Centre for a day, and we are only able to offer our support free of charge thanks to the generosity of organisations like the Aberdeen Charitable Foundation. This incredible donation will make a meaningful, lasting impact upon the lives of people across the north east who visit Maggie’s.
“We provide a variety of services for people affected by cancer, be that the person with the diagnosis, their friends or family and we are here to offer support at all stages of a cancer journey. We run group sessions, allowing patients to share their experiences with others in a similar situation, and we also offer tailored support on a one-to-one basis.
“The Centre itself provides a quiet, welcoming space where people can gather the information and strength to face what can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. We’re open for people to drop in anytime, to talk to one of our experts, join one of our group sessions or just chat to others at the kitchen table.”
Alongside the financial investment, staff from Aberdeen Standard Investments’ Aberdeen office have been invited to donate their time and volunteer with the centre.
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for the Aberdeen Charitable Foundation, says, “According to figures published earlier this year by ISD Scotland, 3% of men and 4% of women in Scotland are living with cancer. Around every cancer patient, a support network is formed – from friends and colleagues to family members and carers- whose lives are also affected by the diagnosis. Maggie’s Centres offer a vital service for both patients and their networks, providing a safe space for questions to be answered, support to be offered and voices to be heard. We are proud to support the Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen, which assists thousands of people affected by cancer in the north east every year.”
The Aberdeen Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. For more information visit:http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.com/en/aboutus/responsible-business/aberdeen-charitable.
For more information about Maggie’s work in Aberdeen, visit www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-aberdeen.