Children with disabilities at an Aberdeen respite service have a new and improved garden to enjoy thanks to Marathon Oil.
Staff from the Aberdeen office of the international oil company transformed the garden of the Bucksburn service, which is run by Scotland’s leading children’s charity, Aberlour Child Care Trust.
A company team raised £3,500 for the cause, through various in-house fundraising activities including raffles and office bake sales.
This sum was then matched by Marathon Oil to give £7,000 to spend on materials.
A staff team led by Marathon Oil employees Rachael Allan, Linda Riddell and Anna Vitalli, worked closely with service staff to identify the best ways to improve the garden space for the young people who use the service.
The team then bought all the necessary materials and carried out all the labour over a period of two days.
Aberlour fundraising executive Marie-Claire Jones said: “The garden has quite simply been transformed thanks to a ‘Marathon’ effort from the team.
“Whereas previously this was a just a large garden for the young people to play in, it is now a truly interactive zone which will directly improve the fun and learning experiences of everyone who uses it.
“Visitors and staff have all been remarking on what a dramatic difference the new and improved garden has made to the young people, and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Marathon Oil, not only for their generous donation, but also for their hands-on approach in carrying out the work.”
The make-over included re-turfing the entire space, as well as installing sensory areas with water features, a vegetable patch and raised flower beds.
The use of solar panels also means the features are environmentally-friendly and sustainable.
The ADAPT service offers short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in Aberdeen, as well as outreach support for them and their families.
Graham Taylor, UK Asset Team Manager for Marathon Oil said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to support the efforts of the Aberlour children’s charity here in Aberdeen.
“It was a team effort and I’d like to thank those who participated in the work to transform the garden as well as those within Marathon Oil who donated both time and money during our various fund raising activities. We are proud to have been able to provide what will hopefully be a fun and interactive experience for the children.”