CALA Homes (North) has donated £1,000 to Maggie’s in Aberdeen to fund the centre’s Talking Heads workshop which provides those with cancer with an opportunity to discuss hair loss.
The local Maggie’s centre, based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, was awarded the sum as part of the housebuilder’s £10,000 community bursary scheme which was launched last year to mark 140 years since the company was established as the City of Aberdeen Land Association.
The Talking Heads workshop enables men and women to share their experiences and anxieties concerning hair loss and also offers practical advice including wig and scalp care and scarf tying. The donation has enabled Maggie’s Aberdeen to purchase materials for the workshop as well as covering the staffing of the sessions for four months.
Emma Gelati, marketing co-ordinator at CALA Homes (North) visited Maggie’s Aberdeen to officially present the £1,000 cheque to the charity and have a tour of its facilities.
She said: “The local Maggie’s centre in Aberdeen has been an invaluable support for so many families since it opened in 2013. It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to visit the centre and see first-hand the great work its staff do.”
Maggie’s Aberdeen is a charity providing support to people with cancer and their family and friends in the North-east. As well as offering emotional support and a place to meet other people going through similar experiences, the centre offers practical advice such as healthy eating.
Susan Sutherland, Centre Head at Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “Maggie’s Aberdeen provides free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their families and friends. The Centre is a warm and welcoming place; a place to find answers to questions and to meet people who understand; and a place to find the hope and strength needed.
“A key part of what we offer is practical support which includes advice on things like benefits and eating well. We also provide a range of support around the physical impact of treatment.
“CALA Homes’ donation will help us deliver our Talking Heads session, which helps people to cope with hair loss. We’d like to thank them for their wonderful support.”
The CALA Homes (North) community bursary will support 12 different charities and community groups across Aberdeen and the surrounding area this year by funding vital equipment and services. Beneficiaries include Grampian MS Therapy Centre, Grampian Deaf Children's Society, Stratosphere Science Centre, and SensationalALL.