The successful charities are: The ARCHIE Foundation; Aberdeen Foyer; Social Bite; Aberdeen Association of Social Service (VSA); Abernecessities; Who Cares? Scotland; Northsound Cash for Kids; The Leanne Fund SCIO; Calico (Cancer and Leukaemia in Children Orientated); Nepalese Himalayan Association Scotland; Miscarriage Information Support Service; Russell Anderson Foundation; Organisation for Nepalese Culture and Welfare; The Salvation Army; City Hearts Aberdeen.

Since its launch on May 1 2020, the hardship fund has so far raised a staggering £301,598 for Aberdeen-based registered charities to help individuals, families and communities across the city experiencing severe financial hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trustees met on September 3 to consider 26 applications from which the 15 local registered charities were successful. To date, 42 charities have benefited from the special hardship fund.

The funding awarded to the 15 charities will support the provision of food, fuel payments, hardship payments and care packages directly to individuals, families and vulnerable young people. These initiatives will support 218 individuals, 542 families and households, 524 children and young people and provide 833 meals.

Donations from members of the public, business people and donations of £100,000 from the Seven Incorporated Trades Widows’ Charity and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council via the Common Good Fund have ensured a great many people have received vital support during these challenging times. The Trust is however keen to encourage more donations.

Barney Crockett, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, said: “The Trust is once again delighted to be able to provide funding to so many local charities to help those individuals and families in our communities in desperate need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to be able to offer a fifth round of funding however that will be wholly dependent on further donations. These continue to be challenging times for everyone, and I would urge the people of Aberdeen and local businesses to spare a thought for those less fortunate and in desperate need, and if you can, please donate to this very worthy cause. Every penny raised goes to local registered charities so whatever donation you make will make a real difference to local people who have been and continue to be impacted by the pandemic. Together we will get through this.”

Mervyn Donald, deacon convenor, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, added: “Once more we have been delighted with the response to our Aberdeen Emergency COVID-19 appeal. “Charities have played a very important role in Aberdeen society during this pandemic and it is vital to support them. Volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this challenging year should be congratulated for all the time and effort they have given to the residents of Aberdeen who have really struggled with day to day life.

“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on people’s physical and mental wellbeing and even more so in relation to the more vulnerable people in our society and The Seven Incorporated Trades Of Aberdeen are very pleased to continue to support multiple worthwhile causes.”