Constitution change makes a "reel difference" for charities

Traditional Scottish music group Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society recently updated its constitution to enable it to continue making donations to charity. Their first donation of £1,000 under the new constitution is being presented today to the Archie Foundation - the charity that supports Aberdeen Royal Childrens' Hospital.

Over the years the Society has supported many local and national charities and non-profit groups through performing at fundraising concerts and, where surplus funds exist, by making donations directly.

Since the Society is a registered Scottish charity it has had to respond to the recent changes to Scottish charities legislation. This included a review of the constitution which identified it was no longer sufficient to continue making donations directly to charities.

With the backing of the orchestra members the committee worked on making the necessary changes. Treasurer Ross Fowler explained "The whole process took over 6 months from start to finish. We drafted new wording and consulted members. Next we requested consent to the changes from the charity regulator. The members then had to formally adopt the new constitution at a general meeting. Finally the regulator was advised the changes had been adopted."

Members were invited to suggest which charity they would like to make the first donation to under the new constitution. It was unanimously agreed that the Society would give £1,000 to the Archie Foundation - a charity one of the members is especially grateful to because of the excellent care and treatment delivered by the hospital when their daughter caught meningitis.

As the cheque for £1,000 was presented to Peter Hutchison, the Archie Foundation Fundraising Manager, Society President Graeme Henderson concluded "We're really pleased to be able to make this donation after all the time and hard work invested in updating the constitution. Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society looks forward to being able to continue to support many other charities in the future."

Thank you letter for £1000 donation from Archie Foundation