The AberNecessities fifth birthday ball, held on Saturday, October 5 at the beautiful Union Kirk in Aberdeen, was a night to remember, marking five years of the charity’s work to support local children and families in need.
Sponsored by PBS, the sold-out event raised over £58,000, highlighting the critical role AberNecessities plays in helping families across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who are living in poverty.
Since its launch in 2019, AberNecessities has supported over 18,000 children, providing essentials like nappies, formula milk, clothing, toiletries, baby equipment, beds, and bedding. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing even more families into hardship, the charity is preparing for a busy Christmas period, where the demand for support is expected to peak.
Michelle Herd and Danii Fletcher
Guests at the ball enjoyed a memorable evening, starting with a sparkling drinks reception accompanied by the soulful saxophone sounds of Graeme Geddes. The entertainment continued with the captivating magic of Cameron Roe-Imrie, who added a sense of wonder to the night, while Eventsize provided glitter face painting, ensuring that guests could shimmer along with the evening’s festivities.
The energy remained high with a fantastic performance by the band Mustang, keeping the crowd on their feet. Geoff Aberdein expertly hosted the evening, setting the tone for a warm, generous, and celebratory event.
A standout moment of the evening came from the Tarves Brownies, who created a heartfelt video showcasing their early childhood memories and explained why they chose to support AberNecessities. The Brownies not only made a special guest appearance, earning a well-deserved round of applause, but they also encouraged guests to support the charity in any way they could, inspiring further donations on the night.
The event’s theme focused on the importance of a child’s first five years—critical, formative years that shape their future. Sadly, many local children miss out on key milestones due to the impact of poverty. AberNecessities has spent the past five years addressing this vital need, ensuring that children receive the essential items, opportunities, and support they deserve during these early years.
PBS, the headline sponsor of the event, expressed their pride in supporting the cause.
Adam Mason, GMOC Director said: “We were honoured to support AberNecessities this weekend raising essential funds for local children living in poverty, and we are proud to have
powered their 5th Birthday Ball. We pledge our continued support to give every child the best start in life.”
The evening also featured the launch of AberNecessities' Birthday Pledge Initiative, generously sponsored by Ocean Installer. This initiative highlights the importance of every child being able to celebrate their birthday, an experience many local children are denied due to financial hardship.
Ocean Installer - Managing Director, Gregor Scott said: “Many of us have cherished memories of our childhood birthdays, filled with cakes, balloons, and banners. Sadly, not every child experiences this joy of celebrating their birthday. When AberNecessities shared their birthday pledge with us, we knew we had to get involved. Thank you, AberNecessities, we are proud to support this initiative, helping more families and children create lasting birthday memories.”
Reflecting on the success of the event, AberNecessities’ founder, Danii Flecher-Horn, said: "Our 5th Birthday Ball was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful reminder of why our work is so crucial. The first five years of a child’s life are foundational, and no child should miss out on the joy and support these years can offer simply because of financial barriers. The generosity shown tonight will allow us to continue making a real difference for children who need it most."
The 5th Birthday Ball highlighted both the progress AberNecessities has made over the last five years and the challenges that lie ahead. With the ever-worsening cost-of-living crisis pushing more families into poverty, the need for support has never been greater. Thanks to the generous donations from sponsors and guests, AberNecessities can continue its work, because No Child Should Go Without.
For more information on AberNecessities and how you can support the charity, visit https://www.abernecessities.co.uk.