An Aberdeen charity that supports children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs has appointed seasoned fundraiser, Peter Davidson, as its new director of fundraising.
Camphill Estates is responsible for managing the land and property of five independent Aberdeen-based Camphill charities, Camphill School Aberdeen, Beannachar, Camphill Wellbeing Trust, Simeon Care for the Elderly and Tigh a’Chomainn.
Bringing a wealth of experience from across the public, private, and third sectors, Peter most recently served as the chief executive officer of Montrose Community Trust where he successfully secured multi-million-pound funding for various facilities and projects. His extensive experience also includes contributions to local, national, and international organisations. Peter has also held director-level positions with several organisations, including NHS Tayside, where he served as a non-executive board member and Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee for the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation.
Peter will be leading the fundraising team with a focus on the continued delivery of Camphill School Aberdeen’s Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal as well as enhancing local, national, and international fundraising support across the Camphill Estates portfolio. He steps into the role following the successful tenure of Jo Mackie, who has been instrumental in developing successful fundraising function for the organisation and its operating charities.
Peter Davidson, director of fundraising at Camphill Estates
Peter said: “I was very inspired when I first heard about the work being done by the Camphill communities. These organisations make a real difference to individuals and families across the region, and I am honoured to be part of supporting their efforts. It’s an exciting time to join Camphill Estates, with various innovative fundraising campaigns already underway. I look forward to working with the team to secure the financial support needed to facilitate the incredible work of these charities."
Chair of Camphill Estates, Dr Stefan Geider, added: "We are delighted to welcome Peter to our Camphill community. We are confident that Peter’s leadership and fundraising expertise will significantly benefit the organisation's vision and mission, and that the exceptional work initiated by Jo Mackie in building a successful fundraising function will continue to flourish."
Fundraising support will be focused on four Camphill Estates charities: Camphill School Aberdeen, Bennacher, Simeon Care for the Elderly, and Camphill Wellbeing Trust, as well as the new social enterprise, Murtle Market. Camphill School Aberdeen is currently raising £10million over 10 years as part of its Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal.
The Camphill Wellbeing Trust’s Compass Project aims to raise over £5million to transform the former Waldorf School near Cults into a community wellbeing hub. Simeon Care for the Elderly in Bieldside, a residential home that recently received ‘Very Good’ ratings from the Care Inspectorate, continues to provide crucial services, while Beannachar on South Deeside Road which provides day and residential services for young people with complex additional support needs and learning disabilities. Murtle Market, a new sustainable social enterprise, is also receiving support as it develops into a key community asset.
Camphill Estates was established in 1945, six years after pioneering paediatrician and Austrian refugee Dr Karl König founded the Camphill School Aberdeen. It was the first of its kind in the UK and has since grown to more than 120 independent charities worldwide, seven of which are based in the north-east of Scotland.