Fifers urged to support Aberlour's Urgent Assistance Fund

The Fund provides poverty relief to families in crisis, where they receive emergency grants, often within 48 hours, to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and lighting costs.

In the last year, the Fund has donated over £23,000 to people in Fife helping more than 270 people in critical conditions.

SallyAnn Kelly OBE, chief executive at Aberlour Children’s Charity, said: “This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis in recent memory, more and more families are turning to the charity for help.

"Because of this soaring demand, the emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas when it is needed most.  

“Too many children are going without and for many families it is a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there’ll be enough money to heat their home.  

“Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is a lifeline to disadvantaged families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you are in a position to donate – however big or small the amount – we would be infinitely grateful for your support.” 

Latest research suggests that almost half of families who apply to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund do not know where their next meal is coming from, and a fifth of families who apply don’t have beds for their children.

Around 50 per cent of those who apply do not have the funds to purchase their children new clothing adequate for Scottish weather, which could have serious health implications as the colder months set in.

This year Aberlour has provided grants via the Urgent Assistance Fund to more than 6,986 people in Scotland, including for 4,275 children, totalling over £580,000.

Donations to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund can be made at www.aberlour.org.uk/povertyrelief.