Nine groups awarded cash donations as part of the first round of Aberdeen International Airport’s Community Fund

ABERDEEN, 13-5-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Nine lucky groups have been awarded cash donations as part of the first round of Aberdeen International Airport’s Community Fund.

The donations, ranging from £300 to £1250, have been awarded to various organisations in the local community ranging from a sea cadet unit through to a family support charity.

The Fund places priority on supporting projects linked to education, the environment and economic regeneration in the Aberdeen City and Shire area, and donated over £25,000 in 2014. The Fund’s Board meets four times a year to discuss applications received and award donations.

A total of 14 applications were received for the first round, held in April, and the 9 lucky groups were selected based on a strong application demonstrating a real benefit to the local community.

Amongst the selected groups was Maggie’s Cancer Charity who were awarded funds to purchase specialist literature and support materials. Vicki Corbett from the charity said “We’re delighted that the Aberdeen Airport Community Fund has chosen to support Maggie’s Aberdeen. Having information materials available in the right environment with a Maggie’s qualified staff member at hand can help people absorb and make sense of the various books and leaflets available. We estimate we will see around 8,000 visits to the Centre this year by people affected by cancer, many of whom will access this important resource and we’re grateful to the fund for their kind support in this”.

John Rahtz, Chairman of the Grampian Transport Museum Trust who also received funding said “The award to the Grampian Transport Museum will be used to support our Junior Driving School which is a ‘learning through play’ road safety training facility for children form the age of 4 years old. The museum is grateful to the Airport for this support which will allow an enhanced experience for our young learner drivers”.

Other lucky recipients included Westpark School who received funding for new library books, Home-Start Aberdeen who were awarded funds towards furnishing its new Head Office, North East Sensory Services who received funding towards a young persons sensory scheme whilst both Bridge of Don Sea Cadets and Beacon Rhythmic Gymnastics in Bucksburn received donations towards new equipment.

A full list of organisations are found below:

• Aboyne Village Green Improvement Project

• Grampian Transport Museum Trust Road Safety Initiative

• Westpark School’s  ‘Westpark loves to Read’ Project

• Aberdeen Care & Repair work experience programme for young people

• North East Sensory Services Young Persons Scheme

• Home-Start Aberdeen

• Bridge of Don Sea Cadets

• Beacon Rhythmic Gymnastics

• Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre Aberdeen

Dan Peck, Head of Development at the airport and a member of the Fund’s Board, said “We’re delighted that the first round of the Community Fund has helped so many organisations with such a wide range of initiatives and benefits across the local area. It’s great to see the results of donations made, past and present, and we’re pleased to see applications for the Fund increase year on year”.

The next round of the Airport Community Fund will meet on Friday 26th June 2015. To find out more about the Fund and how to apply, visit /about-us/community-matters/ or email communityfund@aiairport.com.

Email: media@aiairport.com
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