ProjectScotland has launched a push for supporters to mark National Superhero Day this weekend
Scots are being urged to embrace their inner superhero this weekend.
ProjectScotland is calling on all wannabe heroes to mark National Superhero Day this Saturday (28 April) by helping its campaign to support young people in Scotland.
The charity is aiming to fund an additional 35 volunteers in 2018, on top of the 350 they already have secured funding for.
Supporters will be provided with a range of incentives for pledging to support the #PShero campaign, which was launched earlier this year.
The initiative aims to encourage people and businesses to pledge to support a young person in 2018. It typically costs ProjectScotland £1,500 to support a young person through their volunteer programme. The charity focuses on supporting those facing the greatest disadvantages, providing volunteering as a stepping stone and the results are transformational. 77% of their volunteers go on to work, education or training within six months.
Pledgers are encouraged to become a hero (by supporting one young person), a superhero (by supporting three young people) or a legend (by supporting five young people) with a range of rewards provided in return.
From invites to business networking events to sessions with young people, those who take part will be involved in a range of ways.
A soft launch has seen more than £25,000 already pledged enabling 17 young people to be supported through the programme. Pledgers include Witherby Publishing Group and Baille Gifford who have reached legend status. Sainsbury's Bank and Standard Life Aberdeen have pledged to support the equivalent of hero status.
Graham Robertson, director of ProjectScotland Enterprises, said: "Our #PShero campaign is an excellent way for businesses to show their commitment to supporting future generations and a great and easy way to get involved in Year of Young People 2018.
“We're encouraging other businesses to pledge to support Scotland's young people and become a hero, superhero or legend too."
As well as businesses, four individuals have pledged to support one young person each, including ProjectScotland chief executive, Paul Reddish, who will be completing a gruelling cycling challenge later this year.
He said: "Given it's only Year of the Young People once, we are asking people to commit to something extra ordinary to help support the young people of Scotland.
“I felt compelled to do my bit, and at the time felt cycling the length of Scotland (324 miles in less than 24 hours) felt suitably scary. With just 10 weeks to go time will tell if I've bitten off more than I can chew!”
