This year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk has raised £300,000 for charity – despite being called off.
There was widespread deflation when, like so many other major fundraisers, organisers were forced to pull the plug on the June event when lockdown restrictions began.
But yesterday it was revealed that fundraisers had still pulled together to amass a staggering sum, and more than 150 charities left struggling to survive by the coronavirus pandemic will receive a much-needed boost.
Many of the 1,300 registered walkers who were due to don their tartan and take part continued to raise money for local causes, and ended up with a total of £150,000.
Moments after the deadline of midnight on Tuesday, philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter announced that The Hunter Foundation would double the funds each person had raised.
Instead of adding 50% to the tally as he would in normal years, 100% was added, contributing towards a total of £300,000 to be donated to 155 charities across the Grampian region.
Sir Tom said: “Charities across Scotland are in crisis. At a time when they are facing severe financial difficulty, many are dealing with unprecedented demand for their services.
“If they don’t receive the funding they need to continue operating, the consequences for our most vulnerable people will be devastating. It really doesn’t bear thinking about.
“I am incredibly proud of our kind-hearted Kiltwalk community in Aberdeen and the north, who have continued to raise £150,000 in very challenging circumstances. They are true heroes and it is an honour for The Hunter Foundation to match fund every penny they have raised.
“My message to Scotland’s Kiltwalk community today is, we have your back and we will be back.”
Children’s hospice charity Chas, which provides palliative care and family respite throughout Scotland with dedicated bases in Aberdeen and Inverness, is one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Head of community fundraising, Sarah Secombes, said: “To discover that the £150,000 raised by Kiltwalkers is being doubled to £30,000 by Sir Tom Hunter is phenomenal.
“Keeping the joy alive is at the very heart of everything we do at Chas and knowing that all of this fundraising is receiving a 100% top up is such a welcome boost to everyone connected with Chas at this very challenging time. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”
Family support charity AberNeccessities will also benefit from the money,
Co-founder Michelle Herd said: “The £2,000 we are receiving via Kiltwalk couldn’t come at a better time as it will help us provide essential items including baby formula, nappies, clothes and bedding to underprivileged families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – who need us now more than ever.
“We need to protect our most vulnerable members of the community, especially during these uncertain times.”
The Aberdeen Kiltwalk was scheduled to take place on June 7 and will go ahead as soon as it is safe to do so.
