Thousands of people will take to the streets of Aberdeen tomorrow for the best of reasons – to promote local charities.
And it is largely thanks to Morven Mackenzie, the owner of Aberdeen-based Mackenzie PR, who saw a similar event while holidaying in Washington, USA last year …and was immediately convinced the concept could prove a hit in Aberdeen too.
Aberdeen’s charities, social enterprises and volunteering organisations will join the unique celebratory parade right through the heart of the city.
'Celebrate Aberdeen' will see fellow organisations unite in a spectacular display of energy, song and dance to raise awareness of the good work being carried out by the city’s 'Third Sector'.
On returning from the USA, Mackenzie, got down to developing her dream and marshalled a strategic committee comprising professionals from across the private, public and Third Sector to take the event through to fruition. Mackenzie and all the committee members are giving their time and expertise voluntarily.
She said: “Plans for 'Celebrate Aberdeen' moved ahead with great speed which has been really exciting to be part of. The organising team shares a real enthusiasm for the event, and, like me, believes that Aberdeen’s incredibly diverse Third Sector should be celebrated.
“So many people in the region benefit from these organisations’ services and the parade will act as a platform from which to further raise people’s awareness of them. It will also be a great opportunity for the organisations to offer their thanks to the people of Aberdeen who have supported them in turn.”
According to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), there are around 45,000 voluntary organisations in Scotland with 137,000 people employed in the sector. In 2009, the sector generated £4.4 billion for the Scottish economy.
