Bishopbriggs choir on song to raise £20k for children’s hospices

Springfield Choir during a past performance at the Royal Concert Hall

This brings the total raised from Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s concerts over the years in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) to a staggering £390,000.

This has been made possible by the generosity of the talented 160-strong group who waive their fees and the audience who donate thousands of pounds into collection buckets at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where the event is hosted each year.

Unfortunately, lockdown restrictions meant this year’s concert could not go ahead so plans were put in place for a one-off live virtual broadcast featuring stunning festive footage from previous events, all presented live by the Musical Director, Alan A. Craig.

Although the broadcast, entitled A Christmas Montage, was free, viewers were given opportunities throughout to donate to CHAS online.

Despite all the challenges the event proved to be a huge success with the final amount raised far exceeding all expectations.

Musical Director, Alan A. Craig said: “We are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount through our virtual concert for CHAS, a charity so close to our hearts.

“The event provided a unique opportunity for a much wider audience to

enjoy the Christmas magic of a much-loved event that usually sells out

weeks in advance and meant our music could be enjoyed by friends and families all over the world.

“We are proud to have played a part in helping to bridge the funding gap for CHAS whose needs are greater than ever before due to the challenges they continue to face as a result of the global pandemic.”

CHAS Community Fundraiser, Rachel Gedge said: “I would like to thank the chorus and orchestra for their continued and incredible support of CHAS.

“The amount raised by this truly wonderful virtual event is a testament to the concert and the pleasure and generosity it inspires and this ongoing support ensures that we continue to reach more children and families across Scotland who need our help now more than ever before.”

Like many other charities affected by the coronavirus pandemic, CHAS has had to innovate to meet the needs of children and families which has accelerated their ability to reach every child. CHAS launched the UK’s first virtual children’s hospice at the beginning of the pandemic and is continuing to prioritise end-of-life and emergency care in hospice and children’s homes as well as supporting the NHS and Scottish Government in this national effort.