Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards support CHAS
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THE Children’s Hospital Association Scotland (CHAS) has been selected as the charity beneficiary of the 2015 Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards.
CHAS is a voluntary organisation which assists over 350 families with specialist care across the country, including home care services from a base in Inverness.
Marina Huggett, chairwoman of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA), said: "Our board selected CHAS for the unique work done by its staff and volunteers through nursing care, practical help and emotional support, and providing Scotland’s only dedicated hospice services in Scotland for children and young people who have incurable life-shortening conditions.
"Here in the north of Scotland, the CHAS at Home team also organises fun gatherings for groups of families, which reflects the organisation’s very flexible approach to helping during times of extreme emotional and other demands, and we are delighted to provide some help for the organisation’s invaluable role."
Each year, HITA identifies a different charity to receive funds to be raised at its November awards dinner that celebrates excellence in tourism activities including hospitality, dining, adventure activities, events and visitor service innovations.
Last year, the association donated £2,250 to the Parkinson’s UK research programme.
CHAS operates through its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, and also through CHAS at Home which has teams working from both hospices as well as dedicated teams in Inverness and Aberdeen, caring for families in their own homes when they need it most.
Angela Cran, CHAS Fundraiser in Inverness, said: "It’s fantastic news that the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards board has selected CHAS as its charity at this year’s event.
"Our home care team based in Inverness travels all over the Highlands and Islands and provides a lifeline to families as far away as the Western Isles.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to tell people about the fantastic work our team is doing every day."
CHAS services are free and are funded mainly through a large number of fund-raising supporters who help to raise the £9 million it needs each year.
HITA is an industry-led scheme representing all sectors of tourism and this year’s awards are supported by a range of local organisations and businesses including Scottish Provincial Press, publishers of the North Star.
