Ecas is committed to supporting as many people as we can. The support of Aegon UK is helping us offer new opportunities to a wider range of service users, bringing people together to share good times.
In the first year of our two-year charity partnership, Aegon UK donated £36,395 to Ecas. This impressive sum was raised thanks to a whole host of fundraising initiatives; from sponsored walks, to quizzes, to a Strictly Come Dancing themed event!
Aegon’s financial support has made a big difference for all Ecas service users, enabling us to offer a series of outings to everyone who attends weekly Activity Groups, as well as the befrienders and befriendees who benefit from our Ecas Befriending service.
In addition to the big donation, Aegon have supported Ecas in a range of other ways, including video and print production.
A huge thank you to everyone at Aegon, with special thanks to the Edinburgh branch of the Aegon Charity Committee.
Days out and good times
The Ecas Board ring-fenced the Aegon donation, so that the funds could be used to deliver a programme of fun, accessible outings for our service users. The costs involved in organising group trips such as this are high, so would not have been possible without the generosity of our friends at Aegon UK.
From the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, with some boat trips in between, the days out provided wonderful opportunities for people to get out and about, in good company.
Importantly, everyone who came along were safe in the knowledge that Ecas would take care of and cover the cost of all logistics, including everyone’s travel arrangements.
Enjoy these videos, with highlights from the trips we enjoyed together, thanks to Aegon.
As you can see, everyone had such a good time. We were delighted to receive great feedback from our daytrippers,
‘I had heard about the Burrell Collection through friends but never thought that I would have the opportunity to visit it myself. Travelling afar can be difficult when you have to take oxygen with you everywhere you go. Ally Irvine (Ecas CEO) was not to be thwarted, however. When he heard that I would like to go, he made it his mission to find a way to find a way of transporting me and my oxygen cylinders there and back and all around the exhibition and his plans worked. So, thank you Ally and Aegon for a fabulous day out.
‘The Burrell Collection itself was very interesting, I learnt so much and staff were friendly, helpful and oh so knowledgeable. The lady who was our tour guide really brought the building and the collection to life. A big thank you to her too. Lunch was provided for us all in the restaurant. The food was so fresh and tasty and I think we all appreciated it.
‘I also enjoyed meeting new people from the other Ecas activity groups.
‘If I was offered a place on another trip would I go? You just try stopping me! When you have mobility problems you tend to stay at home because you cannot face the difficulties of getting out on your own. But with some kind friends they can be overcome, as I have found out.’ Margaret
Ian, a regular at Ecas for many years, enjoyed the trip too,
‘My favourite day out was the Burrell Collection, as there were so many highlights to mention, including how friendly and welcoming the tour guide was. With the aid of a mobility scooter, I was able to enjoy the tour to the maximum, without using too much energy. And, I was in great company. Having lunch provided was an added bonus which was excellent. Again, nothing was too much trouble for the staff on hand.
‘Having a day trip out was an excellent time for me to meet some of the other Ecas clients who do activity groups, and it was just nice to be out and about with like-minded people.‘I give grateful thanks to the CEO and his team for making the trips so special, and for all the meticulous organisation, leaving long standing memories.’
Added extra with Aegon
In addition to the big donation, Aegon has supported Ecas with video and print production.
In May 2024, a team from Aegon visited Ecas to find out more about us and capture great video footage of our service users, volunteers and staff. We were then able to use this to create a series of short videos to share on our website and the Ecas YouTube channel.
In summer 2025, our Ecas Reading and Creative Writing Group were invited to perform their own work at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Thanks to Aegon, we were able to produce a full printed programme for the event, which featured the writers’ biographies and work.
More to come with Aegon
We look forward to the second year of our partnership with Aegon, and to sharing the many benefits and opportunities it helps us offer our service users.
We’re delighted to hear that our friends at Aegon are valuing the relationship too,
‘We’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Ecas over the last year or so, and that time has been invaluable. Spending time and building strong relationships with our charity partners helps us understand how to support them in the most meaningful ways.
‘Working with Ecas has given our colleagues at Aegon real insight into the vital work they do in our local community, and we’ve been proud to champion their cause through our fundraising efforts.’
Jennifer Keys, on behalf of the Aegon Charity Committee
