Chris Bennett-Taylor

Last year’s match giving campaigns raised more than £35,000 thanks to generous pledges and donations from local people and businesses alike.

The money raised was used to support the work of the Direct Access Service, the first port of call for anyone experiencing crisis.

The service has seen a 600% increase in referrals as the cost of living crisis deepens.

The pledges being sought offer the chance for donations made during the campaign to be doubled by being matched together, and then also have the chance of being awarded even more funds from Big Give Champions; so more pledges made, means even more cash can be raised.

The Big Give Pledge Drive runs until September 2nd offering interested companies the opportunity to make twice the impact with their donation pledge.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2022 will then later launch for donations on #GivingTuesday November 29 and run for one week closing on December 7.

Chris Bennett-Taylor, chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, said: “Anyone and everyone can be affected by crisis and overwhelming challenges.

“More and more people are seeking us out for support, and many of them for the first time. Even apparently settled and secure home lives can be affected by unexpected events, crisis, insecurity, mental health challenges or hidden abuse and violence.

“We are here to help people move forward and thrive which includes dignified access to food, personal care, benefits and housing.

“Pledges and donations are critical to enabling us to continue with this support and have the added benefit of being increased further thanks to this fantastic match funding campaign.

“Simply put, our work could not continue without this support.”

Pledges can be made here.