Holding events across three venues in Peterhead, Loch of Skene and Knockburn Sports Loch, the Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust provides sailing tuition to everyone, regardless of ability or disability, age or background.
The group hosts a popular Disability Sailing Club, where people can learn sailing skills and boost their confidence on board the Trust’s accessible boat, the Hansa 303. This specialised vessel enables wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility to enjoy the sessions alongside others.
As part of its £10,000 Community Bursary scheme, Cala Homes (North) offered the donation to help the Trust run 18 disability sessions across its 2019 season across the three venues, covering costs such as instructor and loch hire fees.
Angie Fraser, Principal of Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Cala for this donation as it will help us provide even more sessions for members of our Disability Sailing Club, enabling people with disabilities to enjoy sailing, grow their confidence and feel really proud of their achievements.
“Sailing provides a brilliant means for people to develop their independence, creativity and determination as well as growing their capacity for good teamwork and communication. These are such important skills for people to learn and that is why we make it the mission of the Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust to make sailing accessible and fun for everyone.”
Mike Naysmith, Managing Director at Cala Homes North, said: “We have always strived to make a positive contribution to good causes in local communities through an active programme of charity donations, community support and sponsorship, and the Community Bursary scheme gives us the chance to find out exactly what support is needed locally.
“We are proud to have been able to support the Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust and thank them for the valuable work they are doing within the local community in Aberdeenshire.”
Now in its fourth year, Cala’s Community Bursary aims to provide support for a wide range of organisations and projects within the communities in which Cala builds. This year, a total of 10 local projects and initiatives have been selected to receive a share of the fund, helping them to continue the vital work they do within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
In 2019, the Community Bursary scheme will award more than £55,000 to 63 good causes across Scotland.
For further information on Cala Homes’ Community Bursary, visit www.cala.co.uk/bursary.
