RNLI volunteers took to the streets in Aberdeen’s city centre on its annual Flag Day collection, visiting sites at Bon Accord, Trinity Centre, Union Square and the city’s Christmas market on Broad Street.
The collection raised almost £1800 in donations from the Aberdeen public. In Britain, a “flag day” is a day when people raise money for a special occasion or charity by going out onto the streets.
As well as raising vital funds for the volunteer led emergency response charity, the RNLI, fundraisers and crew leaned into the festivities, taking part in ice skating and games at the Christmas Village.
Aberdeen RNLI has a long history of service in the city, with volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service, 365 days a year, including Christmas and New Year. The charity operates independently of the Coastguard and government, relying on voluntary donations and legacies to sustain its operations.
While figures for 2024 have yet to be released, in 2023 RNLI volunteers helped 10,734 people around the UK and Ireland. Donations and money raised goes toward supporting the upkeep of boats, equipment and PPE, as well as ongoing training for volunteers, who come from all walks of life to give their time to saving lives at sea.
Donations can be made to RNLI Aberdeen here: https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/Aberdeen
