At the start of 2024, Persimmon’s Perth office selected CHAS as their Charity of the Year for the second successive year. Colleagues organised and participated in a variety of fundraising activities, including a golf day, a skydive, charity walks, and a black-tie ball, raising an impressive £60,000 to support CHAS’s vital work.

The funds raised will support CHAS’s crucial services, which cost £50,000 per day to run. From providing palliative care to respite and end-of-life support, CHAS ensures no family in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.

The funds will specifically benefit Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross, which offers a range of facilities such as hydrotherapy, accessible gardens, and spaces for both relaxation and fun, helping families create precious memories together.

Persimmon North Scotland managing director James MacKay and office manager Rebecca Kyle recently visited Rachel House to present the cheque to Ruathy Donald, community fundraiser at CHAS.

James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland managing director, said: “CHAS is a charity that touches so many lives and we were delighted to support their important work as our Charity of the Year.

“The commitment of our staff to raise such a significant amount has been exceptional and I want to thank everyone who took part in the fundraising events. Meeting with the team at Rachel House showed us just how important donations are to the work they do and I’m sure the money will make a real difference to families in need.”

Ruathy Donald, community fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are hugely grateful to everyone at Persimmon North Scotland for their support and all their amazing fundraising this year. It really does make such a huge difference and enables us to continue to provide unwavering care for our children and their families.”

The cheque is just one of many early gifts delivered by Persimmon across Scotland in the run-up to Christmas.

California Primary School Parent Council in Falkirk has received a £1,000 donation from Persimmon East Scotland to support vital upgrades and improvements to the school’s outdoor play equipment.

The funds will help the Parent Council continue its mission to enhance the learning environment for children at the school. As a registered charity, the council has been actively fundraising within the local community but has faced challenges due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has limited their ability to meet fundraising targets.

The donation is part of Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which has provided over £360,000 to local charities and organisations across Scotland in the last five years.

Neil Parry, managing director at Persimmon East Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to support California Primary School Parent Council with this £1,000 donation. Schools are at the heart of our communities, and it’s wonderful to see the Parent Council’s dedication to enhancing the outdoor play experience for local children.

“We’re proud to play a part in creating a positive impact for the school and the wider community.”

A spokesperson for California Primary School Parent Council said: “We are delighted with the support offered by Persimmon Homes. The contribution will go a long way to help us to continue support California Primary School, enriching the education of all children who attend an amazing school.”

Elsewhere, Persimmon West Scotland is supporting the expansion of a Bishopton-based girls football club with a £3,000 donation to provide essential kit for its players.

Established in 2021, Bishopton FC Girls Academy has quickly grown from 50 to 120 players, reflecting the increasing popularity of girls’ football and the growth of the local community.

The club’s success has been driven by its commitment to providing opportunities for young girls to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment. However, with such rapid growth, providing enough football kits for all new players has become a challenge.

The donation from Persimmon West Scotland will go towards purchasing new kits and training gear to ensure that every player, regardless of their age or size, can participate in training and matches.

Bishopton FC Girls Academy has also relied on internal fundraising efforts, such as football cards and community events, but sponsorship is vital to ensuring the club can continue to thrive.

This donation is part of Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which sees the home builder support charities and community groups in the areas where it operates. The scheme has delivered nearly £400,000 good causes across Scotland in the past five years.

Chris Logan, managing director of Persimmon West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support Bishopton FC Girls Academy with this donation. It’s inspiring to see how much the club has grown in such a short time, and we are pleased to play a part in helping them provide the kits and equipment needed for the girls to continue developing their skills and passion for football.

“Alongside our delivery of high-quality new homes in the area, we want to support the local community, and I look forward to seeing the academy’s continued success in the seasons ahead.”

Colin Bell, Bishopton FC Girls Academy, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding from Persimmon Homes. It really is instrumental in helping us grow the girl’s game in our community.”

Finally, Persimmon East Scotland has donated £3,000 to Boghall Drop-In Centre in West Lothian to support their vital work helping families during the challenging festive period.

The charity, dedicated to combating food poverty and supporting vulnerable families, runs a comprehensive Christmas programme designed to bring joy and relief to the community.

From providing free meals at their Breakfast with Santa event, to creating magical experiences like Santa’s Grotto, the centre ensures that families in need can enjoy the festive season without financial strain.

The donation will go towards funding these free activities, as well as providing essential food supplies to help families with the cost of living and the financial challenges of January. For children facing daily adversities, the charity’s efforts make a real difference, offering moments of magic and activities they otherwise might miss out on.

Local councillor, Harry Cartmill, said: “I applaud Persimmon for this most generous donation to the Boghall Drop-in Centre. In these times of ever-increasing hardship and social isolation, the staff and volunteers at the Centre provide a safety net for so many in need in Boghall and beyond.”

Laura Still, Persimmon East Scotland sales director, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for many families and Boghall Drop-in Centre’s work to ease the burden and spread festive cheer is inspiring.

“As a West Lothian-based business, we’re proud to support their efforts and help make Christmas a little brighter for local families in need.”

Kelly Drummond, Boghall Drop-In Centre manager, said: “The charity is beyond grateful for the continued support of Persimmon Homes, from donations for our Christmas Appeal to this current funding.

“The help and support Persimmon have given our community makes a huge impact and helps people have positive life experiences.”