Pleasance and Waverley Care

Since 1992, Waverley Care has been the proud charity partner of one of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s biggest venues, the Pleasance.

Our passionate bucket shakers have braved the sunshine and the rain to collect donations at Pleasance venues, where over the years our hand-made tartan ribbons have become a familiar sight. The Tartan Ribbon Comedy Benefit, hosted by the Pleasance in aid of Waverley Care, has in itself become a staple of the festival. Thanks to the generous audiences flocking to the Pleasance Courtyard, Dome and EICC, and the support from performers, producers, technicians and volunteers, this year the partnership raised £26,980, bringing the grand total to an incredible £639,155.

Waverley Care Fundraiser Holly and Pleasance Director Anthony holding a cheque with the total amount raised.

With this money we have reduced the number of new HIV infections, increased the number of people getting tested, and been able to provide life-changing support to individuals, families and communities across Scotland. Over and above this, the partnership has helped us to raise awareness about the stigma that continues to surround HIV, and to challenge it. While, thanks to advances in treatment, a person living with HIV can now live a long, healthy life, too many people are still facing HIV alone because of stigma. That’s why our partnership with the Pleasance is so important.

Of the thirty year anniversary, our Chief Executive Grant Sugden said,
“One organisation that has consistently stood by Waverley Care in solidarity is the Pleasance. We couldn’t have been happier to see our volunteers back at the Pleasance venues this year.”

Grant bucket shaking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Anthony Alderson, Director of the Pleasance, relayed a similar sentiment,
“We are incredibly proud to support the charity’s amazing work, knowing these funds help to deliver life changing services to those living with HIV in Scotland. We know there is much more to do and look forward to continuing to support their great work.”

We are proud to celebrate thirty years of partnership with the Pleasance and look forward to the next thirty!