Last month, the Lord Provost's Charity Banquet raised a total of £28,514 for two nominated charities. Today heads of the two charities, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's Hamlin Fistula Appeal and The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, received their cheques from the Lord Provost at Edinburgh City Chambers.
A £1,730 share of this sum has already been sent directly to the charities by donors
The charity banquet was held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Tuesday 20 March 2012, attended by 340 guests. HRH The Princess Royal, the guest of honour, spoke following a short recital by Nicola Benedetti.
Geoff Leask, Director of The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, said: "We are very appreciative of the invaluable support of the Lord Provost and his team over many years and look forward to this strong relationship with the City of Edinburgh Council continuing in the future."
The charity Hamlin Fistula UK helps improve the lives of thousands of women in Ethiopia who have developed obstetric fistula sustained during childbirth.
David Tolley, President of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, explained: "Their incredible work to effect a surgical cure for these women, which also includes the training of midwives, strives to relieve their suffering and reduce maternal and foetal mortality. We are extremely appreciative of the Lord Provost for nominating our appeal to enable us to receive such a generous donation and we are certain the funds will make a significant difference in improving the lives of childbearing women in Ethiopia."
The Lord Provost George Grubb thanked the "enormous generosity" of banquet diners.