Moray whisky distiller raises £11k for Women's Aid
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A Scotch whisky distiller in Moray has raised £11,000 for Women’s Aid to help refurbish a refuge providing women and children with safe accommodation.
The charity, which was nominated by employees of family-owned company Gordon & MacPhail to be the chosen charity partner for 2021, provides support and guidance to women and children experiencing domestic abuse in the local area. Having grown from a helpline staffed by four employees when established in 1987, Moray Women’s Aid now offers a refuge, community outreach, therapeutic service and support for children and young people, in addition to the helpline, staffed by 17 employees.
In 2020, Moray Women’s Aid offered support and guidance to 567 women and 124 children and young people throughout the local area.
Each year Gordon & MacPhail selects a charity partner from those nominated by its workforce, arranging a number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Jodie Clayton, from the company’s human resources team said: "Over the past year our team have worked hard to deliver a number of online and offline initiatives to raise money for Moray Women’s Aid, and we’re delighted to have raised a total of £11,000 for the charity which we believe provides an invaluable service to the community.
"Not only will our donation help refurbish the refuge, which was originally built 16 years ago, but we also hope that it will help raise the profile of the charity amongst those who need its services most.
"At Gordon & MacPhail we are committed to fundraising for a different charity annually with the aim of making a difference to local organisations and helping to support members of our community."
Melanie Wood, business development and funding manager for Moray Women’s Aid, said: "We know from our experience that moving into a refuge that is welcoming and comfortable makes a huge difference to a woman’s sense of self-worth. We work hard to achieve this, but after 16 years it’s beginning to look tired, and cookers, beds, sofas, and carpets need replacing.
“We really appreciate the support from Gordon & MacPhail and are delighted to be able to put the £11,000 they have raised towards helping refurbish the refuge. On behalf of all staff at Moray Women’s Aid, the women, children and young people we support, thank you so much for choosing us as your charity of the year.”
Funding from the Scottish Government and Moray Council, together with money from grant makers such as the National Lottery Community Fund and the Robertson Trust, cover the cost of staff salaries and the work Moray Women’s Aid does on a day-to-day basis.
However, support from the local community, such as the total donated by Gordon & MacPhail, is vital to help fund other elements of the work, including furnishing and maintaining the refuge.
For more information on Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com. More information on Moray Women’s Aid can be found at www.mwaelgin.co.uk.
