Apache Corporation’s North Sea workforce has ensured that children and young people from underprivileged areas of Aberdeen have access to essential clubs during the school holidays throughout the year. 

The oil and gas exploration and production company’s offshore bond committee has donated a further £22,500 to Tillydrone-based charity, ALC Aberdeen, to ensure that the charity can continue to run both its children and youth holiday clubs.   

ALC Aberdeen delivers a wide range of childcare, youth engagement and family support services in Tillydrone and its surrounding areas; Tillydrone being one of Aberdeen’s Priority Neighbourhoods. 

The charity’s holiday clubs provide 30 children and 15 – 25 young people with a safe, fun, and supportive environment during the school summer, October, and Easter breaks.  

These sessions help reduce social isolation, support working families, promote personal development and offer meaningful engagement during school holiday periods. Meals and snacks are also provided on a daily basis to ensure there is consistent access to healthy food. 

Angie Johnston, ALC Aberdeen’s charity manager and Ian Johnston, senior operations manager, Apache, along with some of the youngsters from ALC Aberdeen

The donation, which was generated by Apache’s workforce through the sales of confectionery and other items on its offshore platforms in the North Sea, is a further demonstration of Apache’s commitment to supporting ALC Aberdeen and the children, young people and families it works with. The offshore teams made a similar-sized contribution earlier this year. 

Commenting on Apache’s latest donation, Angie Johnston, charity manager, ALC said:
“I cannot overemphasise how much Apache’s support means to us and the children, young people and families we work with. Our holiday clubs are a vital part of our service offering as they allow us to provide access to nutritious food, opportunities to learn through play, and a stable routine that helps ease the strain on families, while reducing the risk of social isolation for children. 

“These clubs also give children the chance to build friendships, grow in confidence, and experience new things they might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy.  

“Thanks to Apache’s generosity, we can now guarantee our holiday clubs will take place in summer, October, and Easter. We cannot thank the team there enough for its continued support.” 

Ian Johnston, senior operations manager, Apache, said:
“Our offshore team is proud to support ALC Aberdeen and the incredible work it does to enrich the lives of children and young people in our city.

“It is rewarding for the workforce on our platforms to see their donations used to provide a lifeline for many families who need help and support.  Every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, grow, socialise and have access to healthy food options, out with the school term.” 

For more information about the ALC Aberdeen visit www.alcaberdeen.org 

KeyFacts Energy: Apache UK country profile   l   KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus