Grampian Deaf Children’s Society arranged a fun-packed day out for its members thanks to an £800 donation from the CALA Homes (North) community bursary fund.
The funds contributed towards the charity’s monthly activity programme which provides its children and young people with the opportunity to learn and develop their social skills. The charity took 16 of its member families to see a British Sign Language interpreted performance of a pantomime in Inverurie with the community bursary funds.
Grampian Deaf Children’s Society was established in the 1970s as a support group by parents of children at Aberdeen School for the Deaf. All of its trustees and committee members are parents of deaf children or deaf young adults and volunteer their time to running the organisation.
The donation was 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.
Carrie Heddle, chairperson at Grampian Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We’d like to thank CALA for its very generous donation.
“The money enabled us to take member families on a fantastic outing which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It also helped us to continue to support a great local theatre group which does a superb job to ensure those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can still enjoy its shows.
“Our organisation is entirely made up of volunteers so it is lovely to have the support of CALA to help us continue to raise awareness of hearing loss among the community.”
The charity plans to extend its range of activities for young people of secondary school age and offer support during the transitioning period between leaving school and entering further education or employment.
Carrie and the charity’s treasurer, Vanessa Ross visited CALA’s Oldfold Village development to meet Lynn Bell, Land Manager at CALA Homes (North) to discuss the work the charity does.
Lynn said: “It was wonderful to meet Carrie and Vanessa to hear more about Grampian Deaf Children’s Society and its range of activities for its member children and young people. It was a privilege to be able to fund a pantomime outing for the charity through CALA’s community bursary.”
The CALA Homes (North) community bursary is supporting 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, Children 1st, Aberdeen Science Centre, and SensationalALL.