BP Coast 2 Coast raises funds for schoolchildren in Ukraine
Cyclists participating in BP’s Coast 2 Coast adventure will be helping provide 12,000 laptops for Ukrainian children.
The challenge involves cycling more than 250 miles across Scotland from Gairloch to Aberdeen from May 25 to 28.
BP Coast 2 Coast cyclists rally to help fundraise 12,000 laptops for Ukrainian children
Cyclists participating in BP’s Coast 2 Coast adventure will be helping provide 12,000 laptops for Ukrainian children.
The challenge involves cycling more than 250 miles across Scotland from Gairloch to Aberdeen from May 25 to 28.
Taking part is a group of 70 past and present BP North Sea employees who want to get on their bikes and help out.
Three local charities in the north-east will also be receiving funds.
The team anticipates raising around £120,000 which will be split between the four groups.
Aberdeenshire links to Ukraine
The decision to fundraise for Ukrainian children was made due to a connection to the country from Ythan Valley Rotary Club,
The club is twinned with Rotary Club Kharkiv International after its president Erik Avetisov moved from the Ukrainian city to Methlick with his family and started attending meetings at the Aberdeenshire club.
Club member Gary Macalister said: “When the war started in Ukraine a year ago, we decided to do something to help. We refurbished and cleaned a vacant house and a family from Mariupol moved in last June.
“Within a few weeks Erik and his family also came to the area, and he told us what his rotary club in Kharkiv was doing to support people living in the city.
“We started fundraising for laptops and heaters initially and managed to raise funds for laptops for schoolchildren to allow them to continue their studies.”
Laptops ‘vital’ for schoolchildren
Since the war started over one year ago, 90% of schools are closed in the county and a generation of children is now at risk of growing up without an education.
Rotary Club Kharkiv International says there are 12,000 verified child laptop applicants in Ukraine, but only a small percentage have been provided. They have a supply line for reconditioned laptops costing only £120 each.
Mr Macalister said: “The goal is to raise sufficient, between us and other Rotary clubs, to make sure all children identified have laptops to access schoolwork at home whilst its unsafe to attend in person.
“It’s vital children have what they need, so they don’t fall behind with their studies.”
What other charities will receive money?
Three charities based in the north-east will also be receiving cash from the fundraising events.
Northsound Cash for Kids: This charity works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people who are affected by illness, poverty and neglect.
ACIS Youth: Part of Mental Health Aberdeen, this charity provides free one-to-one counselling to all primary schools in Aberdeen for children aged 10 to 12.
The Archie Foundation Baird Family Hospital Appeal: This charity supports maternity, neonatal and paediatric health services and is appealing for £2 million for a new hospital in Aberdeen.
Since it started in 2008, the bike ride has raised more than £2 million for 25 local charities.
Each cyclist has a fundraising target of £1,000, with individuals covering their own accommodation and food costs.
All money raised by BP employees is matched by the BP Foundation.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
The members of Ythan Valley succesfully held a Christmas Wreath making session in the Beaton Hall raising funds for charities supported by Rotary
more
Ythan Valley Rotary along with Inverurie Rotary participated in a Ukraine & Scotland Event held in Inverurie High School
more
On the 22nd February 2020 a sleepover was held in Neil Ross Square, Ellon to raise funds for the ShelterBox Charity. See the article on the website indicating ShelterBox success !
more
Rotarians from throughout the North East and Kharkiv in Ukraine celebrate in the Beaton Hall, Methlick
more.jpg)
A sunny and successful fundraising day in Ythanbank was enjoyed by Rotarians and visitors prior to our scheduled meeting in the Ythanbank Community Hall. Thanks to all for the donations and purchases.
more
Ythan Valley Rotary hosted SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) for a presentation by Beth and Louise on "An Introduction to Suicide Prevention".
moreYthan Valley Rotary along with Inverurie Rotary participated in a Ukraine & Scotland Event held in Inverurie High School
more
A view and a flavour of the Philippines was presented by our member Maria Lim-Pittendreich. The presentation about the Philippines was followed by a meal of typical snacks and flavours of the Philippines.
more
On the 14th August our President Jacquiline Hill and the President of Kharkiv International Rotary Erik Avetisov signed a declaration twinning both of our clubs. Erik and other families from Ukraine have recently settled in the Ythan Valley area.
more
The bicycles will be distributed by YVR members to needy recipients through-out the North east with a Geographic spread from MacDuff to St Cyrus. This has been a co-ordinated effort between YVR, Ellon Cycles and Cycling UK.
moreCyclists participating in BP’s Coast 2 Coast adventure will be helping provide 12,000 laptops for Ukrainian children. The challenge involves cycling more than 250 miles across Scotland from Gairloch to Aberdeen from May 25 to 28.
more
Rotarians Carol Wallace and Jacqueline Hill today received a cheque for £300 for the clothing bank from the members of the Methlick Cycle Challenge committee. Many thanks to all for this substantial donation towards the running of the clothing bank.
more
Sunday the 12th June saw the Presidential handover take place at the Ythanbank Village hall. After a great year Hilary Gordon handed over the Presidential Role to our 2022-23 President Jacqueline Hill.
more
A view and a flavour of the Philippines
more
Ythan Valley Rotary present past President Eleanor Macalister with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of her continuous commitment to the community and Rotary, the award was made by fellow Rotarian Hilary Gordon
more
Members of the Ythan Valley Rotary have been busy during April stripping, preparing and painting a local property in preparation of the arrival of a Ukrainian Family as a result of the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine.
more
At the Ythan Valley Rotary meeting of the 9th October the members met with Keith from the New Arc Charity. The charity rescues , rehabilitates and releases wildlife. After his tallk Keith was presented with Blankets and £423 raised by members.
more.jpg)
Aberdeens Archie Foundation receive 50 beautifully crafted dolls. A huge thank you to the dedicated knitting team of Doreen, Lil, Liz, Jacqueline and Margaret from the Cruden Craft Group for taking the time to make the dolls and then distribute them.
more
Saturday 24th September 2022, 10:00 to 12:00 - Come and collect shoeboxes to fill and spread a little happiness. Raffle tickets are available to support Charlie House.
more
