Outfit Moray in Lossiemouth set to celebrate 20 years with series of activities planned
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LOSSIEMOUTH charity, Outfit Moray, will be celebrating their 20th year anniversary in April.
To mark the occasion, the outdoor adventure learning charity has a special year of activities planned, as well as using the milestone to raise vital funds to replace their ageing minibuses.
Fundraiser, Karen Cox, explained: “Two of our current minibuses are nearing the end of their useful lives and need replacing, but funding bids for vehicles are very difficult to secure.
"As part of our celebration year, we will be running a crowdfunding campaign to raise a deposit on a nearly-new minibus, so our participants can travel to and from their adventures in a more comfortable and environmentally-friendly vehicle.”
CEO, Tony Brown, said: “To celebrate 20 years, we also want to give something back to the beautiful environment we work in, so have set up a grove through Trees for Life, thanks to our generous sponsors Fred Olsen Renewables, and we will be able to add to our grove throughout the year.
"We also hope the people of Moray get behind our minibus crowd funder to help us mark our 20th anniversary.”
Ian Jamieson, the founder of Outfit Moray, explained his inspiration in setting up the charity.
“I believe the ‘great outdoors’ enables young people in particular to develop activity skills, grow in confidence, enhance their self-esteem, learn about working as a team, and acquire leadership skills," he said.
"I feel that engaging in outdoor activities is essential to our well-being, and also encourages us to value all the things nature has to offer, but sadly, young people, and indeed families, are increasingly detached from the natural environment."
During 1996, the time of the re-organisation of local government in Scotland, local councils which operated the outdoor facilities and centres decided to close many of them, including Moray’s.
Iain Jamieson was previously a regional organiser for outdoor education in Grampian and was excited to see outdoor learning delivered in Moray again, so worked with local contacts to make it happen.
As a great result of the successful funding, Outfit Moray decided to open their doors to young people in Moray on April 7, 2003, and was the very first project to start delivering a programme of outdoor activities through the New Opportunities Fund.
Five years later, the charity had already outgrown its Elgin space and moved to their current base on Shore Street in Lossiemouth, where they have went on to receive charitable status in January 2006 and The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in November 2010, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
With an average of three activities a week, around 200 vulnerable or disadvantaged young people benefited from Outfit Moray activities in the first year and now, 20 years later, they deliver more than 17,000 activity opportunities a year, supporting over 1000 vulnerable or disadvantaged young people each year.
They continue to deliver a wide variety of high quality provision, ensuring young people and families have affordable access to the outdoors, where they can enjoy themselves while learning and engaging with the wonderful countryside in Moray.
Outfit Moray Chair, Claire Alldritt said: “I’m in no doubt that Outfit Moray’s success and longevity is attributed to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, as well as the support shown from the community.
"The positive feedback we receive from the young people, schools, and youth organisations proves we make a difference. Outfit Moray has evolved incredibly over the last 20 years and it has been a privilege to be involved with the development of the charity throughout this time.
"I am excited as to where the next 20 years may take us.”
Iain Jamieson added: “Outdoor learning and adventure is alive and well in Moray, stronger, better and more resilient than ever it was.
"Have we made a difference? Absolutely we have, and I would like to raise a toast to all who have joined in the Outfit Moray journey and still keep the passion burning.”
For more information on how to get involved and support Outfit Moray, please visit www.outfitmoray.com/twenty-years
