CLAN receives early 2015 boost from Bon Accord & St Nicholas

04/03/2015

North-east charity CLAN Cancer Support has received a welcome boost from Bon Accord & St Nicholas after it was selected as its chosen charity for 2015.

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The shopping centre has pledged its backing of the charity for the next two years, which will see it assist CLAN in a number of initiatives and events until 2017.

The charity has already established a successful relationship with the shopping mall, most recently benefitting from a popular Mini car raffle being situated within the Bon Accord centre throughout the month of December.

Organised and run thanks to the valuable support of nearly 21 north-east Rotary clubs, generous visitors had daily opportunities to purchase a raffle ticket and played a big part in helping raise a total of £38,000 for CLAN.

And although it may still be more than 40 weeks away, the charity has begun planning for this year’s Santa’s grotto within the centre of which it will be the main beneficiary. CLAN’s fundraising team is appealing to those who may be interested in volunteering at the grotto to get in touch and find out how they can get involved.

Wannabe Santa’s and elves will benefit from a comprehensive training programme in an effort to ensure the skills required to deliver a memorable Christmas are in place prior to the attraction’s stay from November onwards.

The charity is also looking to speak to other companies, organisations and clubs who may be in the process of cementing annual budgets and who are interested in offering support to the festive event.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said: “Bon Accord & St Nicholas has always been incredibly generous and kind to CLAN Cancer Support so this two year pledge of support really is fantastic news to start the year with.

“Shoppers within the centre played a massive part in the success of last year’s Mini car prize draw and I’d like to thank every person who took time out to buy a ticket towards the raffle.

“Being the beneficiary of this year’s Santa’s grotto is a really important part of this partnership for CLAN and although it may be a while away, we know that to make this work we have to properly plan it from now onwards. We are interested in hearing from anyone, including recruitment agencies, who may be willing to get involved with the running of the grotto over the festive period. Full Santa and elf training will be provided!”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, added: “Bon Accord & St Nicholas has supported CLAN in various events over the last few years but we’re delighted to now be in the position to nominate it as our chosen charity for the next two years.

“The fantastic level of care that the charity offers across the north-east is there for all to see and we’re looking forward to supporting their charity in its fund and awareness raising endeavours throughout the months ahead.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org
Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 270,000 visitors a week, are owned by F&C REIT and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

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