More than £18,000 has been raised for Charlie House thanks to the generosity of local communities supporting the annual Aberdeen & North-east of Scotland Rotary Clubs car raffle
Coordinated by Alan Pirie of St Machar Rotary, the nine‑month fundraising campaign began in April 2025 and concluded with the prize draw at Bon Accord Aberdeen on Christmas Eve.
Mr Pirie said: “Our annual raffle is a true team effort. We work closely with C&M McDonald, Bon Accord Aberdeen, and our primary charity beneficiary this year Charlie House to make this possible.
“Twenty‑two Rotary Clubs across the North-east played their part by selling tickets at community events from Deeside up to Buchan and everywhere in between.”
2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Rotary car raffle. Since launching, the initiative has raised more than £850,000 for local causes.
Mr Pirie added: “The continued generosity of our supporters is remarkable, especially when you consider they could win a car valued at over £20,000 for just buying a ticket costing one pound.
“Every penny raised helps create lasting change in our communities, and we’re proud to donate £18,500 to Charlie House, bringing our total contribution to their Big Build Appeal to £130,350.”
John Brebner, Chief Executive of Charlie House, said: “We’ve been proud partners of the Rotary for the past five years and are extremely grateful for the time, enthusiasm and effort that go into making the annual car draw such a success. Their ongoing commitment has made a significant difference to our Big Build Appeal, our campaign to create a specialist support centre in Aberdeen.
“We are currently seeking an alternative site for our new specialist support building, which will improve services, respite and palliative care provision for babies, children, and families in our area.”
He added: “We extend our sincere thanks to Alan Pirie and his fellow Rotarians, Carol and Max McDonald of C&M McDonald, and the team at Bon Accord Aberdeen. We are also grateful to our volunteers who helped sell tickets, and to everyone who bought one. Your generosity is helping families access the support they urgently need.”
Local winner Darral Murray collected his prize on 30 January 2026 after he was revealed as the lucky winner at the live draw on Christmas Eve. Mr Murray drove away in a brand‑new Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hybrid, supplied by Kintore-based dealership C&M McDonald.
Talking about the news of his win, Darral said, “It was such an unexpected surprise, like an extra Christmas present! I was at my parents’ house on Christmas Eve with my girlfriend, Emma, and our son, Zac, when I found out. I’d noticed a few missed calls and voicemails on my phone, so I guessed it must be something important.
“I’ve bought car raffle tickets before because I’m always happy to support Charlie House and local families, but I had completely forgotten I’d entered this time. I’ve never won anything like this before, so I feel incredibly lucky to be driving away in a brand‑new car today. It really means a lot to me and my family.
“Knowing that the funds raised will help families across the city and shire makes it even more special.”
Carol McDonald of C&M McDonald said: “We are delighted to once again partner with Charlie House and the Rotary Club’s for the annual raffle. As a family business, supporting families is very important to us. We’re proud to contribute to an initiative that makes a real and lasting difference for families in our community.”
She added: “Congratulations to the lucky winner Mr Murray. As a little something special from us from we chose the registration number to end in ‘LKY’, so the car is lucky too! We hope he and his family enjoy many miles of happy motoring in their new car!”
Charlie House supports babies, children and young people across the North‑east of Scotland who live with life‑limiting or life‑threatening conditions, along with their families. The charity currently provides direct support to more than 120 families, in excess of 600 individuals, and demand for its services continues to grow.
For more information about the Rotary Club and their work visit: www.rotary-ribi.org
