Highland charity supporting vulnerable children chosen as Belladrum’s charity of the year
A local charity making a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Highlands has been chosen as the Belladrum charity of the year.
This year Highland Action for Little Ones (Halo) will benefit from Belladrum through donations made by attendees at the time of ticket purchase via its website, as well as through increased brand awareness across its channels.
They will also have a dedicated spot in Belladrum’s Charity Alley, where Halo can engage with festival-goers, raise funds, and spread their message of support.
Established in January 2023 by Mel Thomson and her daughters Ashley and Lauren, Halo is a community-driven third-sector organisation committed to uplifting and empowering disadvantaged children and low-income families across the Highlands.
Their work provides essential resources like clothing, shoes, nappies, milk, baby equipment, school uniforms, and toiletries to those in need.
By collecting donations of both new and pre-loved items, HALO also promotes a circular economy, ensuring that these resources are reused and recycled within the community.
A Belladrum spokesperson said: “The Bella team discovered Halo online, almost by chance, shortly after the 2024 festival and immediately recognised them as a perfect fit for our charity partnership, especially given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and our strong family focus and ethos at Belladrum.
“We’re excited to support HALO not only through fundraising but also by helping to raise awareness of their vital work.
“Despite only been open for 18 months, they have already reached and supported nearly 2,000 children - We’re especially keen to ensure that other families who may need support, but are unaware of Halo’s services, can connect with them and learn of their existence.
“After meeting up with the Halo team recently, we’re thrilled to see them already working on some great ideas for involvement and maximising this opportunity.
“They are purely volunteer-led, with no paid members of staff, it’s extremely heartwarming to see them coming together and working hard to make sure that no child is going without essentials – be that a bottle of milk, or snowsuit for the colder weather.
“It’s an exciting time for the charity, with founder Mel Thomson recently winning the Woman of Inspiration award and HALO being named Third Sector Organisation of the Year at the Highland Business Women Awards last week.”
