The Scottish Building Federation has nominated The Princess Royal Trust for Carers as its official charity for 2011.

Newly elected SBF President Robbie Cooke made the announcement as he presented The Trust’s Corporate Fundraising Manager for Scotland, Trish Brown, with a cheque for £1,600.

The money was raised at SBF’s annual Gala Evening, held in St. Andrews on Friday the 25th March. The presentation took place at the Alloa office of Marshall Construction, where Robbie Cooke is a Director.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was created on the initiative of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 1991. Through a network of 29 Carers’ Centres and 24 young carers’ services, the organisation supports more than 4,000 young carers in Scotland, as well as more than 49,000 adult carers.

Proceeds from other fundraising events held by the SBF in the course of 2011 will also be donated to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers to support the range of services it provides for young carers to help them cope with their caring role.

-- Advertisement --

This year, The Trust’s support for young carers will have a particular focus on rolling out the Young Carers Mascot Project. Aimed at children between five and twelve years of age the project will produce a cartoon character designed to help primary school children identify themselves as young carers.

Its aim is to raise general awareness of young carers and to show young children there is nothing wrong with caring. The cartoon character will have its own Facebook page and will be promoted through school packs and teachers’ learning plans.

In August, The Trust will also host the fourth annual Scottish Young Carers Festival, allowing young carers from throughout Scotland to enjoy a weekend-long programme of drama, comedy, animation workshops and dance competitions, giving them a break from their commitments at home.

Commenting on behalf of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Florence Burke, the Director for Scotland, said: “I would like to thank the Scottish Building Federation for choosing The Princess Royal Trust for Carers to be its official charity for 2011. The money raised at the Federation’s Gala dinner – and any further funds raised in the course of this year – will be put to very good use. In particular, they will help us to make an even greater success of flagship schemes to support young carers in Scotland.”

SBF President Robbie Cooke said: “I am delighted that SBF is able to make a contribution to help The Princess Royal Trust for Carers continue its essential work. I am acutely aware of the invaluable job Scotland’s young carers do but also the huge pressure their caring responsibilities place on them –and how much they benefit from the support and respite The Trust provides. We look forward to working closely with The Trust throughout the coming year to help raise additional funds for a truly worthwhile cause.”

(GK)