SiMBA Christmas Newsletter 2016
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A word from Sara Fitzsimmons, Executive Charity Director, SiMBA
"With the end of the year fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment to look back at another fantastic year for SiMBA. This year we have expanded our Memory Box distribution; trained more facilitators allowing us to launch more support groups and linked up with other charities / organisations to roll out study days and drop in sessions for healthcare professionals across Scotland.
I would like to say a special thank you to each and every one of our volunteers who support SiMBA whether as trustees, running our drop in support groups and on-line groups, knitting for our Memory Boxes, helping us at events or volunteering to make up our Memory Boxes in offices. In the office alone we have had over 1,080 volunteering hours!
In 2016 we have launched support groups in Fort William, Lochgilphead and The Western Isles; giving us 10 support groups across Scotland in addition to our 5 online support groups; all of our groups are run by volunteer facilitators trained by Child Bereavement UK.
The contribution from all of our volunteers is invaluable and greatly appreciated. I’m so proud of everything that we have achieved.
We arre also honoured to be one of the chosen charities for this year's First Minister's Christmas Cards, please click here for more details.
To those of you who have supported us by donating or fundraising or by taking on your own personal challenges, I would like to say a special thank you. SiMBA wouldn’t be here today without your support.
Whilst Christmas is a joyful time for many, it can be difficult for those who have lost a baby whether very recently or many years ago. We recognise that your loss is felt not just at Christmas but all year round but it's important to know that support is here. Our closed group[https://www.facebook.com/groups/SiMBAclosedgroup/] on Facebook and our drop in support groups are here to support you all year round.
On behalf of the who SiMBA team I would like to wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year."
Sara
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Christmas by candle light
On Christmas Eve we will once again be running our Christmas by candle light event. At 7pm on the 24th December we would like to invite everyone to join us
to remember babies lost during pregnancy or close to the time of birth; parents, siblings, grand parents, aunties, uncles, friends & colleagues.
Simply light your candle and leave it burning for at least one hour to honour babies who were in our lives for a short time but in our hearts forever.
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#Firstplastic fiver Christmas campaign
Our #firstplasticfiver campaign has raised £1800 so far please help us to make £2,000 by Christmas! Click #firstplasticfiver donation to
pledge your £5 and remember to email a photo of you with your note to admin@simbacharity.org.uk[mailto:admin@simbacharity.org.uk] so that we can post it on our facebook page too!
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Tree of Tranquillity Winter Opening Hours
Saughton Winter Gardens, Edinburgh - closed from afternoon of 23rd December until 4th January 2017
Provanhall House, Glasgow open Monday - Thursday - 9am - 4pm and 9am and 1.30pm, closed on 25/26/27 December and 1/2/3 January.
Inverness Botanic Gardens open 10am - 3.30pm closed from the 21 December through to the 4 January.
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New monthly donations
Did you know that you can now donate regularly through our website? Just click on this link to set up your payment which can be weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. Every penny you donate will be used to help support families who have lost a baby.
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Beat those January blues and get fit for SiMBA! Walk, Run, Toddle or Cycle in one of our fantastic events in 2017
The Kiltwalk - Glasgow (30th April), Aberdeen (4th June), Dundee (20th August) and Edinburgh (17th September)
The Kiltwalk will be hosting walks 4 walks across Scotland best of all if you register with itison before the 31st December you'll get discounted entry!
The Edinburgh Night Ride - 17-18th June
Discover the thrill of night riding and join hundreds of other cyclists, of all abilities and ages, for a night to remember on Edinburgh Night Ride.
Edinburgh Night Ride is a fantastic one day charity bike ride event. Pedalling 50 miles around Edinburgh you’ll see the sunset over the coast,
cycle through beautiful Georgian streets under the moon and stars, and discover stunning night views of the city as you pass iconic sights along
the way, including Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle, The Forth Bridges, Scottish Parliament Buildings and Holyrood Palace (to name a few) – all
whilst the city sleeps… it really is a unique way to explore this spectacular city!
What are you waiting for? Sign up today, choose SiMBA as your charity and leave your tyre tracks on the streets of Edinburgh.
The Great Scottish Walk and Run Festival - 17/18 June (Holyrood Park, Edinburgh)
Can you help us to make the biggest SiMBA Team that we have ever had? Last year we had almost 200 participants - walking / running and toddling for us - this year we'd like to see even more! If you would like to note your interest in this event please email fundraising@simbacharity.org.uk or register on-line from 1st January at greatscottishevents.org.uk.
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Go on... spoil yourself!
After the huge success of this year's event, tickets are on sale now for our Sparkling Afternoon Tea at The Roxburghe Hotel on the 12th of November 2017 12noon - 4pm, hosted again by our fabulous patron Mr Grant Stott. Click here to confirm yours for just a £10 deposit with the balance payable 8 weeks before the event.
Psst ......
It's top secret, but ... We're having a Sparkling Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow 30th April 2017 12noon 4 pm too! Event details and tickets will be released on the 1st of January. To add your name to the waiting list email events@simbacharity.org.uk.
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Quick Links
Support Groups
Closed Group
Craft Group
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Christmas Office Closure
Our office will close at 1pm Thursday 22nd December and will re-open at 9am on Monday 9th January.
If you have any queries about any of the articles featured please email Gillian Wells events@simbacharity.org.uk or call 01368 860 141.