LOCAL charity Instant Neighbour, which supports people on low incomes to set up home, celebrates a significant milestone this year, marking 40 years of unwavering support for the local community. To recognise this milestone year, the charity is on a mission to raise £40,000 for 40 years of service.
Instant Neighbour’s journey began in 1984, spearheaded by Reverend Mike Mair of Holburn West Church and the Reverend Bob Brown. They recognised the growing levels of poverty in Aberdeen and launched Instant Neighbour as a youth unemployment scheme. The initiative aimed to help young unemployed individuals gain work experience while assisting the most vulnerable in society with everyday tasks. It was a community-driven project designed to foster community spirit and provide essential support to those in need.
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Over the past four decades, Instant Neighbour has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of society. However, its core mission has remained steadfast: to alleviate poverty and support the community’s most vulnerable members. It provides this support to its community and patrons through a foodbank situated at St Machar drive, and also, its annual Giving Tree initiative, ensuring no child goes without a gift at Christmas. The charity is also proud to be a successful environmental charity diverting 150 tonnes of goods from landfill annually, helping to save the planet for future generations.
Instant Neighbour is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Aberdeen City and Shire, particularly those on low incomes. The organisation provides access to affordable, reused furniture, white goods, clothing, and various household items through their shops. Their services extend to Carpetinc and Joinerinc, offering professional services accessible to everyone in the community.
In addition to its retail and service offerings, Instant Neighbour plays a crucial role in enhancing employability. It provides volunteering opportunities in its shops, warehouse, vans, and office, helping individuals gain valuable work experience and is proud that 10 of our 23 staff members come from our service users. Profits generated from these initiatives are reinvested into the organisation to further their charitable endeavours.
To mark this momentous anniversary, Instant Neighbour is calling on individuals and organisations to join its fundraising efforts. The community’s support through fundraising activities is vital to the continuation of its essential work. One of the key events in its fundraising calendar is a fundraising dinner, scheduled for Saturday, 23rd November being held at the Seven Incorporated Trades. Sponsorship packages for this event are now available, providing an excellent opportunity for local businesses and individuals to contribute to a worthy cause and give back to the local community.
“We are incredibly proud to mark 40 years of service to the Aberdeen community,” said Sophy Green, CEO of Instant Neighbour. “Our success has been built on the amazing support from the public, and we are counting on that same spirit of generosity to help us reach our £40,000 goal. Whether through participating in fundraising activities, attending our fundraising dinner, or purchasing sponsorship packages, every contribution makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to support those who need it most.”
For more information on how to get involved or to purchase sponsorship packages for its fundraising dinner, please visit https://www.instantneighbour.co.uk/
