Dedicated volunteer fundraiser Linda Campbell was honoured at the Scottish Fundraising Awards alongside professional individuals and teams
The mum of a young Scots man who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 15 has won a top award for her fundraising efforts.
Linda Campbell has raised £51,500 in just three years after creating the MS Auction, an innovative platform that enables people to sell donated goods and services on Facebook.
She has sourced a staggering 1,100 deals which she promotes to the page's 1,800 followers, so far winners have come from 32 countries around the world.
Linda has been motivated to find a cure for MS after her son Stuart Rose, now 29, was diagnosed with the condition when just a teenager.
Stuart has been recognised for his own fundraising work and this year picked up the British Empire Medal for services to MS in Scotland.
Linda was one of seven individuals and teams that were honoured at the Scottish Fundraising Awards, which were held in Glasgow on Tuesday as part of the Scottish Fundraising conference.
Gary Kernahan picked up the Fundraising Excellence Award for his contribution to fundraising over a number of years. The former head of regional development (community fundraising) at Muscular Dystrophy UK, Gary led the team to increase income from £125,000 in 2009/10 to £1m in 2016/17.
“It’s especially wonderful to receive this honour while surrounded by so many amazing colleagues, people I respect greatly and so many friends,” said Gary. “As fundraisers I think we are quite fortunate to have the best job in the world. What we do is a real privilege.”
The Fundraiser of the Year award went to Gillian Graham of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Gillian was commended for driving the charity’s companion regular giving scheme, rolling out the new kennel and pen sponsorship scheme, supporting the installation of a donor wall and leading the home’s first Christmas appeal, which raised £25,000.
Edinburgh Leisure picked up best use of event or community fundraising initiative after beating its Jump and Swim Challenge target by 33%.
The Volunteer Fundraising Group of the Year award went to The Funky Natz Foundation, which has raised £80,000 for Epilepsy Scotland since 2011 in memory of 10-year-old Natalie Hughes.
Bobath Scotland and the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust won the Best Partnership Relationship award and the Best Individual Giving Campaign went to the National Trust for Scotland’s Box The Hill House Appeal.
Alex Close, head of IoF Scotland, said: “After hearing the inspiring stories of the 2018 Award nominees, it’s no surprise that Scotland is punching above its weight in amount raised. From fighting cancer to protecting the environment, the efforts of fundraisers and generosity of the public make charities’ work possible.”
“Scottish fundraisers’ commitment to high standards is very impressive, and it’s great to come together and recognise them through the Scottish Fundraising Awards.”
