Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited has provided a significant donation to a charity’s campaign that ensured hundreds of north-east children were wrapped up warm this winter.
The oil and gas operator donated £25,790 to a winter clothing appeal run by Aberdeen-based children’s charity Cash for Kids. The annual Coats for Kids appeal provides £50 winter clothing vouchers – which cover the cost of a new coat, hat, scarf, gloves and a pair of boots – to hundreds of disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
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Cash for Kids saw a 30% rise in applications to this winter’s appeal, receiving 886 requests for vouchers. This was up from the 677 applications it received and fulfilled in 2016.
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Now in its fifth year, the Coats for Kids appeal highlights the issue of child poverty that exists in the region and which is often overlooked. The health visitors, social workers and community groups that Cash for Kids works with identify the children most in need of winter clothing vouchers and submit applications on their behalf.
Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited’s £25,790 contribution provided vouchers for over 500 children and helped to guarantee that all of the 886 applications to this year’s appeal were fulfilled. The donation came through the firm’s ReachOut Giving programme, which supports initiatives that build inclusive, safe and thriving communities that empower individuals and families who need a step up.
Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said: “This was a massive contribution from Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited to our Coats for Kids appeal, for which we are extremely grateful. Alongside our other donations, Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited’s gift of £25,790 helped to ensure we fulfilled a record number of applications to this winter’s appeal.
“We experienced a few cold snaps this winter that highlighted the need for children to be wrapped up warm against the elements. The appeal also empowers many of these children, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves by selecting their new winter clothes rather than receiving hand-me-downs, which is so often the case.”
Ray Riddoch, UK managing director and senior vice president Europe at Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited, said: “Through its ReachOut Giving programme Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited is committed to supporting communities across north-east Scotland. Child poverty is a serious and often hidden issue. We believe that by working in partnership, responsible businesses, charities and the community can be a force for good and make a real difference in this area. The Cash for Kids annual winter Coats for Kids appeal not only provides the obvious benefits of essential new, warm winter clothing, but can boost self-esteem and allow children to express their individuality and we are proud to be able to support it.”
In addition to running specific appeals, Cash for Kids provides grant funding to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Funding is distributed at the end of January, April and July every year and is available to individuals, families and community groups. All applications must be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor.
Cash for Kids is an Aberdeen-based charity that works to improve the lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18 living in north-east Scotland. The community-focussed organisation is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. Along with running a number of campaigns throughout the year, including its annual Mission Christmas children’s gift appeal, Cash for Kids operates a unique grant giving programme. Grants are made to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All of the money that is distributed to these local families and projects has been raised locally. More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids or telephone 01224 337010.
