The queen is helping a north-east charity mark a major milestone, by allowing it to host its birthday bash at her Balmoral estate.
VSA will celebrate 150 years of supporting vulnerable people in the north-east next year.
And in recognition of the charity’s work over the years, the queen, who is also its patron, has given the organisation permission to hold its annual ball in Balmoral Castle.
It is the latest royal seal of approval for the charity, which has been patronised by every monarch since Queen Victoria.
Jennifer Mitchell, director of external relations, 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.
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“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 is currently planning various activities that will take place throughout next year to help raise cash towards the campaign.
There will be around 600 invited guests to the ball, which takes place on November 7.
The event is being sponsored by oil and gas firms Apache and Balmoral Group, as well as John Clark Motor Group.
Mark Hobbs, vice president of Apache’s North Sea operations, said: “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 has 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.”
To find out further information about sponsorship opportunities or ways in which you can support the event, please visit www.vsa.org.uk.
