Charity needs to secure critical donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund

A major Scottish children’s charity has issued an urgent appeal – because a crucial, life changing fund is set to run out before Christmas.

Aberlour has launched a national fundraising drive, to secure critical donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund.

The fund provides poverty relief to families in crisis, where they receive emergency grants, often within 48 hours, to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and lighting costs.

However, because of soaring demand and because of the running costs crisis besetting the voluntary sector, the charity’s chief executive revealed that without donations, the fund could be depleted by Christmas.

This winter will see the highest cost of living in decades for Scots, and in many communities around the country, children are going without the basics required to feed, clothe, and heat them.

The latest research suggests that almost half of families who apply to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund do not know where their next meal is coming from, and a fifth of families who apply do not have beds for their children.

Worryingly, around 50% of those who apply do not have the funds to purchase their children new clothing adequate for Scottish weather, which could have serious health implications as the colder months set in.

This year Aberlour has provided grants via the Urgent Assistance Fund to more than 6,986 people in Scotland, including for 4,275 children, totalling over £580k. It is a vital lifetime to thousands of people for items which many of us take for granted.

The charity’s Poverty Relief Appeal launches across national TV, radio, press and digital. Those who can are being asked to donate to support families trapped in poverty and struggling to survive the toughest conditions faced by Scots in many years.

SallyAnn Kelly, chief executive at Aberlour Children’s Charity, said: “This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis in recent memory, more and more families are turning to the charity for help. Because of this soaring demand, the emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas when it is needed most.  

“Too many children are going without and for many families it is a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there will be enough money to heat their home.  

“Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is a lifeline to disadvantaged families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you are in a position to donate – however big or small the amount – we would be infinitely grateful for your support.” 

Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is designed to provide immediate relief to families with children (aged 21 and under) who are suffering extreme hardship. It is a critical lifeline with money paid straight to families who apply via a sponsor (health professional, social worker, teacher, third sector organisation, clergy or other professional) to ensure that the lights stay on, homes are warm, and their children have the essentials they need. 

Donations to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund via: www.aberlour.org.uk/povertyrelief 

Information on the Urgent Assistance Fund: www.aberlour.org.uk/get-help/urgent-assistance-fund