Scottish Government finds cake and fitness most Appealing...

After 2011 and a great first year of fundraising for The Lifeboat Fund, Scottish Government colleagues are again focusing on a combination of themes: fitness and cake – with an added nautical flavour – to raise money for the charity. 

Many diverse approaches are bringing real success – due mainly to the commitment of colleagues to this great cause: buying new lifejackets for the RNLI’s brave crews.  

Our contractors’ keen sense of social responsibility is also a boon – both to SG and to the charity as a whole.  APS Group’s Mike Lynch got us off to a great start with his London Marathon. 

‘Collecting boats’ are proving a magnet for loose change in our canteens – operated by Sodexo, who also provided the highly popular ‘lifebelt doughnuts’ for the week leading up to National Doughnut Day! 

After that, and a series of coffee mornings – in offices from Edinburgh to Dumfries - it was time for a bit more fitness training and colleagues ‘pushed themselves to the max’ for The Fund at the ‘Lifeboat Games’ on 14 June, ably supported by SG’s ‘Sports and Social Association’ and our national fitness champion, Dr Andrew Murray.  Andrew took part in the Olympic Games Torch Relay that morning, afterwards bringing his Torch to Victoria Quay.  That drew much interest and excitement, as colleagues did their own fitness challenges or had photos taken, Torch in hand! 

The next week, there was further excitement when we enjoyed guided tours of Marine Scotland’s Fisheries Protection Vessel, Jura.  It was great to have support for our events from South Queensferry Lifeboat Station's volunteer crew member, Craig Maison (see picture).

Our charity bookstalls also continue at key buildings, while the 'Marine Scotland Milers' have turned up trumps again with a marathon relay, a 5K, 5-a-side football  - and a cake stall!  

The fun and games continue, and it’s absolutely great to see our 2012 Appeal total at the start of July sitting at over £4,100!