Energy efficiency charity Scarf has set the scene for its landmark 40th anniversary by hosting a successful one-day event in Aberdeen.
The registered charity and social enterprise’s special birthday will take place next year and, as part of the build up to this, Empower Aberdeen took place in Aberdeen Music Hall on Monday (October 7).
Timed to coincide with Challenge Poverty Week, the expo featured 46 not-for-profit and third sector organisations and over 120 professionals offering a range of advice from energy efficiency, finances and housing to food banks, neurodiversity awareness and wellbeing. The day was spearheaded by Scarf and backed by Vital Energi, Poverty Alliance and Aberdeen City Council Community Planning.
Such was the success of the inaugural showcase, that plans are now in place to repeat the venture next autumn.
Dave Sims, Steve Delaney and Lawrence Johnston
As well as acting as a precursor to next year’s anniversary, the creation of the drop-in day is seen as an important extension of Scarf’s work to deliver impartial energy saving advice to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions to householders, communities and businesses throughout the North East of Scotland.
Commenting on the event, Aberdeen Deputy Lord Provst Steve Delaney who performed the official opening said: “Scarf have provided a free and trusted service to the people of Aberdeen for almost 40 years. They launched Challenge Poverty Week in Aberdeen by bringing together like-minded organisations along with the Poverty Alliance, Aberdeen City Council and others to support people who are struggling across Aberdeen.
“I take great pride in knowing what Scarf have achieved over the past 40 years. I thank them for bringing all these organisations together to support individuals and families across Aberdeen. In order to eliminate poverty, we all need to work together as has been clearly demonstrated by the third sector.”
Scarf’s Contracts & Commercial Manager Dave Sims added: “We are grateful to the many organisations and individuals who supported this event by exhibiting, attending and promoting it. The day offered an important platform to start conversations on a range of important topics and open lines of communications between organisations, as well as between exhibitors and the public. We now look forward to repeating the project in our 40th anniversary year”
To find out more, visit www.scarf.org.uk