Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND), the Aberdeen-based autism support charity, is celebrating the monumental success of its first-ever fundraising golf day and dinner raising a total of £46,000.
Taking place at Meldrum House Hotel and Golf Course last Thursday (Thursday 25th May), the inaugural ‘Think Different Golf Day & Dinner’ provided the platform for the charity to raise vital funds that would allow it to target areas of growth and development.
The charity currently offers support to 150 individuals and families and aims to increase this to 500 across the north of Scotland by 2027, the money raised will allow A-ND to raise its profile across the region whilst identifying new opportunities and providing additional support through recruitment drives and forthcoming campaigns.
One of its major projects, ‘Binky the Sensory Bus’ was on display to guests at the event, offering an exclusive first-hand look at what vital fundraising will support. The double-decker bus, donated by partners at Stagecoach Bluebird and fitted out with sensory equipment provided by manufacturing partner SpaceKraft. The project will see A-ND deliver its outreach services to autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families throughout the north of Scotland following the recognition they are currently without vital support.
The inaugural dinner, organised in collaboration with event partners, ThinkPR, and sponsored by platinum sponsors, Global E&C, welcomed guests and sponsors for a night of entertainment and provided an impactful look into the work that A-ND do through a series of speeches that included A-ND CEO, Billy Alexander, Global E&C CEO and A-ND Chairperson, Terry Allan, Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director, David Beaton, and Aberdeen F.C Manager, Barry Robson.
Discussing the success of the night and the impact the fundraising total will have on the charity's aims for the future, A-ND CEO, Billy Alexander, commented: “I cannot thank our Event Partners at ThinkPR, our sponsors Global E&C and Serica Energy, Barry Robson, and all the local organisations who have come together enough for making last Thursday's event possible, never mind such a huge success. A dream of mine and the A-ND team, witnessing it become a reality exceeded all expectations.
Our team is delighted with the amount of money raised, which will allow us to deliver our vital support to an estimated additional 50 people with neurological differences and their families throughout the north of Scotland. With funding and commissioning from local authorities often very limited, the money raised through our event will ensure we can continue and grow the support and service so desperately needed throughout the region."
ThinkPR CEO and A-ND Board Member, Annabel Sall said: “The success of the inaugural dinner has gone above and beyond all expectations. As event partner, the Think team has worked hard to ensure that the event is a success. As a board member at A-ND, I know how much it means to the charity and how far that money will go in allowing A-ND to expand and reach its aims. The success of the event lays an exciting foundation for plenty more fundraising opportunities to come, and it opens a whole new future for A-ND. I’m so proud to be part of that as both a board member and on behalf of ThinkPR as event and marketing partners.”
