AABIE celebrates 10 years of supporting communities as charity ball raises £80,000

AAB’s annual Charity Ball has raised more than £80,000 for AABIE, the firm’s dedicated charity, as colleagues, clients and supporters gathered at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 18 September to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Founded in 2016, AABIE was established to create meaningful and lasting impact within the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Over the past decade, the charity has awarded hundreds of grants, enabled thousands of volunteer hours and supported a diverse range of charitable and community projects. Hosted by AAB’s Central Scotland team, the event welcomed guests for an evening of fundraising, entertainment and celebration in support of AABIE’s ongoing work in local communities.

The Glasgow event marks the fourth AABIE Charity Ball and follows successful events in Aberdeen, Newry and Leeds, which together raised more than £280,000 to support charities and community organisations across the UK and Ireland.

Over the last 12 months alone, AABIE has donated more than £158,000 to 93 charities through a combination of grant funding and volunteering support.

Several organisations supported through the latest grant round are based in Central Scotland, reflecting AABIE’s commitment to supporting the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Beneficiaries from across the region included:

• Held In Our Hearts (Argyll & Bute) received funding to provide dedicated bereavement support for families following the loss of a child, including ongoing home visits and emotional support.
• theGKexperience SCIO (Glasgow) secured funding to deliver youth work programmes and one-to-one support for young people living in some of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged communities.
• Team Jak Foundation (Edinburgh and Glasgow) received support to deliver monthly Big Breakfast sessions for children and young people affected by cancer and their families, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and build confidence.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said:

“This year’s Charity Ball was particularly special as we celebrated 10 years of AABIE and reflected on the incredible impact the charity has made over the last decade.

AABIE is a fundamental part of who we are as a business. It reflects the commitment of our people to supporting the communities in which we live and work, and demonstrates what can be achieved when colleagues, clients and partners come together behind a shared purpose.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is especially rewarding to see the impact being made in the communities our teams are based thanks to the dedication of our people and the generosity of our supporters.

The generosity shown at this year’s Charity Ball was truly remarkable, and every pound raised will help AABIE continue supporting worthwhile causes for years to come.”

Angus McCuaig, Head of Glasgow & Stirling at AAB, went on to say:

“It was a privilege for our Central Scotland team to host this year’s AABIE Charity Ball in Glasgow during such an important milestone year for the charity.

Through AABIE, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that funding, volunteering and community support can have on organisations across Central Scotland. From supporting families facing incredibly difficult circumstances to helping young people, community groups and local charities thrive, the work being carried out is making a real difference.

Our team is passionate about giving back to the communities where we live and work, whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering or supporting local initiatives. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues, clients and supporters come together to help continue that work.”

Sheena Anderson, Chair of AABIE, added:

“As we celebrate AABIE’s 10th anniversary, it is fantastic to look back on everything the charity has achieved and, more importantly, the difference it has made to so many people and communities.

Demand for support continues to grow, and fundraising events like the AABIE Charity Ball play a vital role in ensuring we can continue supporting the charities and community organisations that need our help.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s event and helped make it such a success.”

All funds raised from the event will support future AABIE grant rounds and community initiatives. Applications for the next AABIE grant round close on 30 September 2026. More information on how to apply for funding or volunteer time is available at aab.uk/about/aabie.