AES Solar are delighted to share the news of our upcoming fundraising challenge for 2024!
On August 31st a team of dedicated AES Solar staff, friends and family are pedalling for a purpose, completing a sponsored cycle, starting in either Aviemore (56 miles), Grantown-on-Spey (43 miles) or Aberlour (17.5 miles) before joining the Speyside Way and continuing to Spey Bay! There is also the option for participants to take part as a tag team using our designated halfway point in Aberlour to pass the baton. In order to make the event as accessible as possible, the company will be hiring E-bikes for any of our staff who require it.
Shining a Light on The Oxygen Works
We will raise funds for The Oxygen Works, an independent Scottish charity in Inverness. The charity provides oxygen therapy, personalised support and treatments to people living in the Scottish Highlands (and further afield!). Individuals regularly travel significant distances to access the service. Since its establishment over 30 years ago, The Oxygen Works has improved the lives of countless people.
Empowering Person-Centred Care
The Oxygen Works is more than just a charity; it’s a lifeline for many in the Scottish Highlands living with long-term health conditions and chronic illnesses. They focus on the individuals they support at all times, providing the highest standard of treatment and client care. They operate an environment of trust and respect, and in doing so provide a positive experience for all. This approach not only fosters a supportive environment but ensures that each client receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs.
Solar Support
Last year, AES Solar collaborated with a group of Highland businesses to provide a solar PV system free of charge to the charity after an energy contract renewal saw their energy bills triple. Unable to pass the increased costs onto their clients, the charity was facing a reality where they would have to cut back on services or operating hours. This would have resulted in a detrimental impact on the community and the clients they serve.
AES Solar alongside ANM Electrical, Edmundson Electrical Elgin and ARK Estates supplied and installed a 10.2 kWp solar PV system at no cost to the charity. This has offered the charity a level of energy independence from fluctuating energy bills and has reduced the charity’s electricity consumption by at least 53%!
Challenges Ahead
However, after getting to know the team at The Oxygen Works, we felt like there was more we could do to help support this vital local charity. This became all the more apparent when The Oxygen Works announced earlier this year details of growing financial pressures. Budget cuts to statutory support services and increased competition for charitable donations have made it increasingly challenging for the charity to maintain its operations. This is particularly concerning given the remote location of the Highlands, where access to such specialised services can be limited.
Therefore, it was decided that The Oxygen Works would be our charity of the year, with the opportunity for our fundraising efforts to make a real difference.
Pedalling for a Purpose: Making a Difference
We invite you to join us in making a difference. Your generous contribution will help ensure that The Oxygen Works can continue providing oxygen therapy and personalised care to those in need across the Scottish Highlands. Every donation helps improve the lives of individuals who rely on The Oxygen Works for treatments and support. Your donations will not only go towards supporting this vital service. It will also provide us with the welcome motivation and encouragement needed on this cycle!
Join Us on the Journey
To contribute to our fundraising efforts, please visit our JustGiving page here. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a tangible difference in the lives of many. Together, we can help sustain the invaluable work of The Oxygen Works and ensure that those in the Highlands continue to receive the care they need. Thank you for your generosity and support!
Message from Charity Champion/Marketing Manager, Hannah Jakobsen
“We are thrilled to announce our Pedalling for a Purpose fundraising challenge for 2024! At AES Solar, fundraising and giving back to the local community have always been at the heart of what we do. After a few years off due to the pandemic, we were delighted to return to large group fundraising challenges with our Midnight March for REAP last year, but we’ve also arranged fundraising events for SAMH and The British Heart Foundation in the past! There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and team spirit of a big group challenge.
The Oxygen Works were selected as our charity of the year back in January thanks to the incredibly important work they carry out. And we are now delighted to fundraise for this very welcome cause with our Speyside Way Sponsored Cycle. Every donation no matter how big or small will make a real difference, not only to The Oxygen Works but also to our spirits and sore legs as we take on this challenge! Thank you for your support.”
To contribute to our fundraising efforts, please visit our JustGiving page here.
