Aberdeen based charity, Aberdeen Association of Social Services (known as VSA) today announced that it is officially starting its 150th anniversary celebrations. VSA will be celebrating 150 years of changing the lives of vulnerable children and adults living across the North-east of Scotland.
The charity was founded on 10th of March 1870 by Alexander Nicol – Aberdeen Lord Provost after he called a public meeting to form the association with regards to the condition of the poor. VSA which is based at 38 Castle Street, bought the building in March 1899 at a purchase price of £1600, where it has operated from since.
VSA is planning various activities which will take place throughout 2020, communities across the North-east can get involved to help celebrate this historic milestone.
However, due to the growing concern about the recent outbreak of coronavirus, the charity made the difficult decision to postpone its Civic Reception, Tea Party at their sites and Sing, Sing, Sing events due to take place this month. The decision was made as the charity’s top priority is the health and safety of the vulnerable people they support. The events have all been rescheduled for later in the year.
One event which is sure to be highlight of the charity’s anniversary, is an exclusive (and one off) anniversary ball which will take place on Her Majesty The Queens’s private estate in Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle.
The charity’s connection with the Royal Household dates to 1870 when Queen Victoria granted patronage; and every reigning monarch since has been patron of VSA.
VSA will also be putting out archive files over the course of the year of never before-seen items, which tells the story of VSA and how the company has changed from 1870 until the present day.
Kenneth Simpson, Chief Executive comments “2020 is a huge milestone in VSA’s history, we are extremely excited to celebrate this iconic achievement. We are also very grateful to everyone who supports VSA and has contributed to the success of the charity over the past 150 years.”
“We have also launched a campaign to raise £3.2m to build a new mental well-being facility in the heart of Aberdeen, any monies raised from our anniversary ball will help go towards our mental health campaign”
