FAQFrequently asked questions
Q: When did the charity start?
A: Friends of ANCHOR was formed in 1997 by Dr. Andy Hutcheon. Dr. Hutcheon retired from his post as Senior Oncologist at the ANCHOR unit in July 2008. He is Vice Chairman of the charity and is a very valuable member of the Friends of ANCHOR committee.
Q: How does Friends of ANCHOR help?
A: Friends of ANCHOR supports the ANCHOR unit in three ways; it funds the purchase of non-NHS equipment for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's ANCHOR unit at Foresterhill. It provides additional care, comfort and support for patients attending the unit and funds ground breaking vital cancer research projects at the University of Aberdeen's Institute of Medical Science, based at Foresterhill.
Q: What makes Friends of ANCHOR unique?
A: Friends of ANCHOR is unique as every penny goes directly to the charity as our administration costs are funded by our main sponsor, Balmoral Group. We are also very lucky and most grateful to have additional sponsorship from Printagraph, Winters and John Clark Motors / Specialist Cars, Aberdeen.
Q: Who decides where the funds are used?
A: Every 6 to 8 weeks the Friends of ANCHOR committee meet and carefully analysis the funding applications, which are completed by either the Senior Sisters or by doctors from the ANCHOR unit. The funding applications are supported either by a presentation or a question & answer session. A vote is then taken to determine whether we go ahead with funding or not. If the committee are undecided then further information is requested from the instigator of the funding application.
Q: How can I make a donation?
A: You can donate on line www.friendsofachor.org or you can pay your donation in directly at any branch of the Bank of Scotland, quoting the following details:
Bank account name: Friends of ANCHOR, Bank account no: 00998263 Sort code: 80 05 17
Q: Can I make my donation by cheque?
A: Yes, please make your cheque payable to 'Friends of ANCHOR' and send it to: Fiona JD Pearson, Fundrasing manager, Friends of ANCHOR, c/o Balmoral Group, Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen, AB12 3GY.
Q: What is the charity's registered number?
A: SCO25332 Friends of ANCHOR is also registered with the Fund raising Standards Board.
Q: I want to organise a fundraising event, but where do I start?
A: Why not check out our A-Z of ideas. When you have decided what you want to do, complete an Event Registration form and send it into us. If you want to discuss your idea, please call Fiona, our Fundraising Manager, on 01224 859153 who will be happy to help.
Q: How do I get publicity for my fundraising event?
A: Please contact our Fiona Pearson, Fundraising manager (01224 8591530) who can supply you with posters to advertise your event, then you can ask your local supermarket, library or school/workplace to display them.
Telling your local newspaper and radio station is a great way to get publicity. Please contact Fiona Pearson who can issue a press release. All you need to do is provide all the details of your event; where and when it will take place, the cost of the tickets and where they can be purchased.
We can also include your event in our diary section of this website and we can send the details to our media sponsor, Original 106FM. Although we will try our very best to gain publicity for your event we cannot guarentee any coverage as only a paid advert will definately appear in any publication or on any radio station.
Q: How do I make sure my event is safe?
A: • Get sponsor money only from people you know and trust.
• Ensure that children are supervised.
• Make sure your venue is safe.
• Be careful when handling money – its safest to pay money into the bank as soon as possible.
Please note: Friends of ANCHOR cannot accept any liability for your event. If additional insurance is required, this must be arranged by the organiser.
Q: Can I hold a collection in my local street?
A: No, permission is required from the local council. You must always think of your safety at all times.
Q: Other charities hold house to house collections, can I organise one?
A: Don’t collect money through house to house collections. A special permit is required for this, without it, it is illegal.
Q: Can I hold a raffle?
A: If you wish to hold a raffle and sell tickets in advance of the draw, a special licence is required. Check with us for further advice before you start planning.
If you have any further questions or concerns about safety or legal requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01224 859153. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
