The manager of a charity cafe in Aberdeen has launched a petition in an attempt to save it from closure.
Aberdeen-based charity Charlie House’s ReCharge Cafe, a fundraising venture situated within the Bon Accord shopping centre, has announced its closure, slated for Friday, January 23.
However. ReCharge manager George Ross is hoping a weight of voices will prompt a rethink, and has started a petition on change.org, which already has over 1,000 signatures since starting on Saturday.
The ReCharge Cafe has operated since 2019, serving as a revenue stream for Charlie House, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for babies, children, and young people in the North-east of Scotland living with complex disabilities or life-limiting conditions, and providing support to their families.
However, Charlie House recorded a trading loss of £59,000 and a consolidated loss of £698,000 for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. Further losses are projected for the 2025/26 financial year, prompting the charity to undertake a comprehensive restructuring. This strategic overhaul aims to foster a more efficient, focused, and resilient organisation, ensuring its long-term viability. The difficult decision has already resulted in the redundancy of seven staff members.
Mr Ross highlighted the cafe’s importance beyond its commercial function, stating:
“This isn’t just a coffee shop. It is a lifeline to our community, a haven for families, local groups and a beacon of hope for many.” He further contended that the cafe has “not only managed to sustain itself financially during challenging times but also supports the charity, much like the events Charlie House hosts annually.”
Mr Ross criticised the closure, asserting that it comes “at the expense of loyal staff and fantastic volunteers” and “forsakes a reliable source of income for the charity.”
He added: “Shutting down this cafe would eliminate a thriving community space that provides more than just profits. It offers specialist facilities for those with disabilities and serves as a gathering space for all.”
Describing ReCharge as a “success story” that “continues to make a difference by generating essential profits to fund Charlie House’s noble mission,” Mr Ross warned that “Closing it could potentially diminish the aid families desperately need, as well as strip away an integral part of our community structure.”
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Charlie House Chief Executive Officer, John Brebner, addressed the situation, stating that the closure was an “incredibly difficult decision” made to “protect the future” of the charity. He affirmed: “This incredibly difficult decision in no way reflects the dedication of our team,” and reiterated the charity’s commitment: “We remain committed to providing much-needed services to the families and children we support.”
The charity also recently announced a revision of its plans and location for a specialist support centre in Aberdeen under its “Big Build Appeal,” attributing the changes to challenging economic conditions that have significantly increased projected costs.
The change.org petition can be assessed HERE.
