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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Celebs step up to support communities

This news post is about 4 years old
 

Stars from Scotland and further afield have been helping organisations to respond to the coronavirus crisis

Celebrities have been stepping up to help charities and communities through the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotland skipper Andy Robertson made a vital donation to mental health charity Back Onside.

The organisation, which offers support through sport, had made a desperate plea for funding as funds were low but demand was higher than ever.

And special praise was reserved for the Liverpool star after the amazing response to the crisis appeal.

“We are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing, selfless and kindhearted supporters," said Back Onside founder Libby Emmerson.

“Each and every donation that we have received will make such a huge difference to those affected by mental health.

“From our emergency phone line to one-to-one counselling (both of which are busier than they have ever been), every single penny will be spent to ensure that those facing mental health challenges get the support they need.

“I would like to give a special mention to Liverpool football player and Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who today donated an extremely generous amount of money.”

Robertson is also thought to be behind donations made to foodbanks across Glasgow to help them expand support to vulnerable communities.

Kevin Bridges decided to donate £20,000 to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as a Mother’s Day tribute to a boy he met at Robin House near Balloch in 2012.

The 33-year-old Clydebank comedian, who is more used to selling out packed arenas than sitting about the house, is hoping that the move will spur businesses and members of the public to consider raising money for charities as they endure crippling new challenges in the wake of COVID-19. CHAS offers a full family support service to babies, children and young people with life shortening conditions.

He said: “A lot of good causes like CHAS are struggling for funding during all of this, with their regular fundraising events being either postponed or cancelled. I wanted to make this donation in memory of my wee pal Dylan Hairstains, who used to scud me at FIFA.”

Global superstars have also been showing their generous sides. Rihanna’s charitable foundation has donated $5 million to fighting the virus worldwide, whilst actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds said they would split a $1 million donation between Food Banks Canada and Feeding America.