Arran brand’s partnership pledge to dementia charity
Arran’s internationally-known soap and body care brand has chosen Alzheimer Scotland as its charity partner for 2021.
Arran Sense of Scotland will raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland and inform people of the charity’s work to help those living with dementia while supporting their friends, families and carers.
The organisations will collaborate on some key events, including the charity’s annual Memory Walk and a ‘summer of challenges’ for staff. They will also take part in training to become Dementia Friends, as Arran Sense of Scotland moves towards a more dementia friendly business.
Part of the partnership will explore how Arran Sense of Scotland can support some of Alzheimer Scotland’s existing outdoor initiatives.
This includes its tipi project – forest therapy which enables groups of people with dementia to come together in a woodland tipi and take part in activities, learn new skills and discover the therapeutic benefit of nature.
Kevin Meechan, Chief Executive Officer of Arran Sense of Scotland, said: ‘When Alzheimer Scotland first approached us, we were, of course, keen to help however we could. And as we explored more options for how we could work together, we discovered our key philosophies are very much aligned.
Commitment
‘As a brand, our purpose is to help people to create meaningful connections with nature, something that has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment and care of those living with dementia. When we heard about the amazing tipi project, which promotes the benefits of immersing those with the condition in nature and the outdoors, as well all the other work this fantastic charity does, we decided that rather than support them on a one-off basis, we should make the commitment to appoint Alzheimer Scotland as our official charity partner.
‘Dementia is one of the biggest health crises of our time; one in three people will be diagnosed with some form of dementia in their lives.
‘Sadly, it is a cause that does and will continue to affect many of our staff, customers, and wider Arran community.
‘We want to help raise the profile of the tireless work being done in the community for those living with the disease and their families. We’re very excited to see what a difference we can make over the course of the next year.’
Arran Sense of Scotland aims to raise enough to expand Alzheimer Scotland’s network of dementia advisors over the next 12 months.
It will also supply hand sanitiser free of charge for some of the larger fundraising events across the year and will identify areas that can make its shops and offices more accommodating to those with cognitive impairments.
A range of best-selling Arran Sense of Scotland products will also be sold via Alzheimer Scotland’s webstore over the coming months and 50 per cent of retail sales will be donated to the charity.