Aberdeen charity receives £10,000 from China businessman

Cancer support charity Maggie's Aberdeen has received a £10,000 donation from a China-based company chairman.

George Zhang, a joint venture partner of global engineering and consulting company Wood, visited the centre two years ago. 

The gift will help make up for lost income from cancelled fundraising events and activities. 

It will mainly be used to fund the daily running costs of the centre and their care services. 

Head of fundraising Richard Stewart said: "The fantastic donation has come following a visit to the centre by George Zhang, Chairman of Wood in China, with Wood colleagues in 2019.

“It’s wonderful to think that someone from the other side of the world was so moved by the work we do that they continue to support us from afar today. It is an example of the amazing impression visiting Maggie’s can leave on people.

“Although we have mostly been seeing people virtually during lockdown, we look forward to welcoming many more visitors and volunteers back to the centre once the remaining restrictions are lifted so they can see that for themselves.”

George's gift follows a donation of 10,000 items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from Wood to frontline health staff in the city which were distributed by Maggie’s Aberdeen last year. 

Wood's Chief Operating Officer, Dave Stewart, added: "When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK last year, our joint venture partner wanted to help in any way they could, hence the donation of the 10,000 items of PPE.

“That donation was generous enough, but for him to go even further and give Maggie’s Aberdeen such wonderful financial support a year later is testament to the support everyone at the centre provides to people across the north-east – and it clearly leaves a positive impression on people, regardless of where they are from or whether they have used the much-needed services on offer."

To find out more about the centre call 01224 645928 or email aberdeen@maggies.org.