The 2013 Kemnay Academy final of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative was a very close run thing.  So much so, ARCADION’s Technical Director Clive Gregory wanted to recognise the fantastic efforts of the runners-up : Erynn Sangster, Taylor Insh and Taylor Park.

The girls had chosen Rape and Abuse Support , a charity run by women for women to provide vital support and advocacy to female survivors of rape and sexual violence.  The quality of the pupil’s presentation was so highly regarded by Mr Gregory, who helped judge the event, ARCADION stepped up and agreed to match the proceeds of a non uniform day and a cheque for £1300 has since been given to the charity to help them continue the support they offer to young girls and women in the North East.

ARCADION helped to fuel the festive spirit at the Aboyne Academy Christmas Fair on Saturday 30th November, with the help of eight pupils from the Academy who prepared, cooked and served a delicious spread for hungry shoppers in a bid to raise funds for the school.

Three boys and five girls joined a team from ARCADION as well as Aramark top chef, Russell Mahoney to prepare and serve plates of primavera pasta and more than 250 venison burgers. The students themselves cooked a warming tomato and roast pepper soup which was extremely popular. For some of the students this wasn’t their first time on the ARCADION events kitchen. Many had also attended the company’s stand at last September’s Offshore Europe Exhibition in Aberdeen.

The fundraising effort, which asked those enjoying the fare to make a donation to the school, raised just under £320. All of the food was provided free of charge by ARCADION. Speaking at the event was Clive Gregory, ARCADION Technical Director who said, “It’s great to see so many people out enjoying themselves, and we’re delighted to be part of this event. I am very impressed by the hard work and the team effort the students have put in to help make today such a success.”

ARCADION works closely with pupils and staff at Aboyne Academy through its Partnership Charter which enables ARCADION to provide ongoing support to the Academy in the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence by developing a programme of Awards for distinction in the fields of Design and Technology, Business Management, and Environmental Awareness amongst others. In addition, ARCADION provides support relevant to professional career development for all pupils throughout the Academy as they progress through their education.

Pupils and teachers of Aboyne Academy got on their bikes to tackle an adventurous mountain route from the west coast back to Aboyne recently. ARCADION supported their challenge by providing one of our vans to transport their equipment, tents and supplies throughout their trip.

Malcolm MacIntyre, Depute Rector, said "It really made a massive difference to the trip as it meant we could offer the pupils a much higher level of support and allowed them to complete the route without having to carry camping equipment with them"

They plan to do it all again next year and have already invited the ARCADION team to come along and join them!

Building on our business partnership with Kemnay Academy we were delighted to support their 2013 Be your Best Rock Challenge performance in the Scottish finals held in Dundee on 14th June.  The pupils performance "Mtoto Askari Africa" told the story of two gap year students who travel to Africa and find themselves seized, poisoned and turned into young soldiers.  

ARCADION contributed by providing transport for the set and coaches for the pupils and teachers to get down to the finals and also provided stage make up and refreshments for all those attending the event. 

Rachel Mackie, one of those attending said "Everyone involved in Kemnay Academy's Rock Challenge greatly appreciates the huge donations that we have received from ARCADION. Knowing that we have been sponsored has ensured that the pupils and staff could concentrate on practising and working on new routines and set instead of worrying about fundraising. Being part of Rock Challenge is like being part of a family. It gives you confidence and brings people closer together. We thank you again for helping us out with this".