Heartfelt gratitude and a shared commitment to compassionate care filled the Palm Court Hotel recently as Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian convened for their 46th members’ annual general meeting.
NHS figures highlight the invaluable contribution of 51 volunteers at Roxburghe House, who dedicate their time to everything from crafting beautiful floral displays and serving at the coffee bar to tending the garden and driving patients to appointments. Each contribution brings comfort and support to patients and their families.
The charity also expressed deep gratitude to its diverse network of donors and fundraisers, from local police and Young Farmers groups to individuals leaving legacies and businesses choosing Friends as their charity of the year.
Highlights
Treasurer Ian Mackie provided a vibrant overview of the past year's activities and fundraising successes. Highlights included:
Looking ahead to 2025, Ian unveiled exciting plans, including:
Ian proudly announced the completion, that very afternoon, of the Young Person's Library - a dedicated bookshelf filled with resources to support younger children of patients, providing free, practical materials that address illness, loss and bereavement.
Presentations
Following the auditor's report from Ivan Houston of Scholes Chartered Accountants, Scott Garden, head of outsourced finance at Hutcheon Mearns, shared a moving account of his company's fundraising efforts.
After the loss of a much-loved colleague who had received care at Roxburghe House, the Hutcheon Mearns team dedicated their 2024-25 charity fundraising to Friends.
“Our fundraising had an extra layer of meaning because of our personal connection,” Scott explained.
The team raised nearly £7,000 through a variety of events, including a Lochnagar hike, quiz nights, raffles, a client golf day and a Perth Races sweep. Friends extended their heartfelt gratitude to Scott and the entire Hutcheon Mearns team.
Macmillan nurse consultant for palliative care Flora Watson then went on to shed light on the impact of a bereavement support project.
This Scottish-wide initiative, which originated from a simple hessian bag piloted at Roxburghe House in 2017, provides distinctive purple bags designed to sensitively and thoughtfully pass on a loved one’s effects.
“This initiative allows us to sensitively support families during a difficult time,” Flora said. “It also gives staff confidence in the support they provide.”
Board members
Sam Harris was re-elected to the board of trustees for a three-year term, and Gordon Robertson was honoured for his five years of dedicated service as he stepped down. The current board comprises Barbara Manson (chairman), Ian Mackie (treasurer), Ryan Fox (secretary), Anne Brown, Fiona Leslie, David Sam Harris, and Frances Macivor (ex officio).
Friends of Roxburghe House welcomes new members to its board of trustees.
Join us in supporting Roxburghe House.
Main picture shows, from left, secretary Ryan Fox, chair Barbara Manson and treasurer Ian Mackie.
© Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian - Charity Number: SC009220
