Waverley Care is an Edinburgh-based charity that supports people living with HIV and Hepatitis C across Scotland. It was established in 1989 and has grown its services to incorporate support groups, one-to-one mentoring, social outings, education sessions and workshops. Waverley Care's work is focused on preventing new transmissions, educating and testing as many people as possible, challenging stigma, and ensuring nobody must face HIV alone.
The work it does is in line with the Scottish government's aim, announced on World AIDS Day 2020, to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate HIV transmissions by 2030 – an ambitious plan that will not be possible without charities like Waverley Care.
In 2019, Criterion began its partnership with Waverley Care as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. From helping to maintain Waverley Care's residential unit grounds to bucket shaking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the team are constantly challenging themselves and aiming to raise as much money as possible for Waverley Care. For example, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Criterion continued its support for Waverley Care in Scotland's Virtual Kiltwalk, clocking 58 miles between two of the team.
Over the last three years, other activities have included an epic 176-mile cycle from Newcastle to Edinburgh. Cyclists endured four days of high winds and heavy rain but, through sheer grit and determination, reached the finish line and raised £3,240 – which was then matched pound for pound by Criterion.
Today marks World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to uniting people worldwide to fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. To mark this special day, Criterion's Managing Director, Billy Burnside, presented Waverley Care's CEO, Grant Sugden, with a cheque for the total amount raised over the last three years – £28,922.85.
We are thrilled to announce that Criterion has committed to partnering with Waverley Care for another three years. The decision was made by the team, who love raising awareness and funds for such a fantastic charity.
Billy Burnside, Criterion MD commenting:
Our partnership with Waverley Care has evolved over the three years we have worked together. It is something many of us care passionately about and brings the company together throughout the year to raise awareness of the great work they do and to raise funds to support their activities. They are a great fit as our corporate charity partner, where we know that every activity we undertake – large or small, and every pound raised makes a difference to them and to the communities they support. Criterion is a relatively small team of 15 and the funds raised are a credit to the team. I am delighted we are renewing our partnership with Waverley Care for another three years, and I know that the Criterion team is excited to produce more creative fund-raising ideas to support Waverley Care and support their very important work in local communities throughout the country.
Grant Sugden, Waverley Care CEO, commenting:
“We are so proud of the team at Criterion for everything they have achieved over the past three years, they have gone above and beyond time and time again and we can’t thank them enough. We are also enormously grateful that they have chosen Waverley Care as their charity partner again for the next three years. Their support, not only with fundraising but also in challenging the stigma that surrounds HIV, has been unwavering. Knowing that the team at Criterion love a challenge when it comes to their fundraising, I can’t wait to see what they take on next!
If you would like to learn more about Waverley Care, then please visit its website.