Aberdeen charity appoints Board of Trustees to strengthen fundraising mission

01/07/2024
The new Lifestars Board of Trustees: (back row, left to right) Neil McKinnon and Willie McPherson and (front row, left to right) Lynette McPherson, Neve McPherson, Cerri McDonald, Harvey Smith and Barry Duncan.

ABERDEEN children’s charity, Lifestars, is announcing the appointment of a Board of Trustees to support the development of its fundraising events and activities.

The charity, founded in 2018 by former Dyce Academy pupil Neve McPherson, works to ensure children and young people with additional support needs have access to a range of activities to develop key life and social skills.

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By incorporating active learning within schools across the North-East, Lifestars helps youngsters build confidence through active learning to foster qualities such as leadership, teamwork, trust and communication.

By organising sports and sensory sessions, to funding school trips and running career fairs, the charity gives young people the chance to take part in a varied programme of extra-curricular activities. So far, schools benefiting include Dyce Academy, Bridge of Don Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Mile End Primary, Hanover St Primary and Kaimhill Primary.

Headed up by its founder Neve, with the support of her dad Willie McPherson, the appointment of a new Board of Trustees will support Lifestars’ fundraising campaigns, event planning and governance as the charity marks its sixth anniversary this year.

The six newly appointed Board members will oversee the charity’s long-term strategy, as well as contributing to, and supporting the management of the charity, ensuring it continues its good work to improve the lives of children and young people across the North-east.

Neil McKinnon, Global Resources Manager at Claxton Engineering Services Ltd, joins as a Trustee, having been a huge supporter of Lifestars over the last few years. Neil’s expertise, connections and innovative ideas will help shape the future of the charity.

Barry Duncan, Managing Director & Vice President, Finance at CNR International also joins the Board, having been a long-term supporter of Lifestars since its inception.

Harvey Smith, founder and MD of HS Consultancy Services, comes on board bringing with him a vast network and unparalleled expertise to bolster the charity’s fundraising efforts.

Sunny Harper, Learning & Development Advisor at Peterson Energy Logistics and Lynette McPherson, Director of Sales for Salmac Limited, also join the board and will focus on supporting Neve with engagement with local schools.

Cerri McDonald, Managing Director at Aberdeen marketing agency Prospect 13, will provide expert guidance in marketing and communications to help build structure behind the scenes and elevate Lifestars’ branding, marketing, and public relations strategy.

Cerri commented, “It’s essential to dedicate time and energy to our young people and I’m proud to take an active role in helping to make a difference in the lives of children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

“I have a huge passion for education, and I grab every opportunity to encourage personal growth and inspire the next generation and I look forward to supporting Lifestars to continue championing the amazing young people in our community.”

Neve, who picked up the ‘Local Hero of the Year’ Award at the cHeRies Awards in 2023, added, “We are proud to bring together this incredible group of individuals who are passionate about helping Lifestars flourish and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions their knowledge and expertise will bring.”

For more information, visit www.lifestarsscio.com

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