Spirit Aid care about our communities and need your help to make a difference, We are a Scottish humanitarian relief organisation dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and young people whose lives have been affected by poverty, neglect, abuse, lack of opportunity, humanitarian crisis or even blighted by war.
Our hearts are in Scotland but we travel the world
What do we do at spirit aid?
We are a Scottish humanitarian relief organisation dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and young people whose lives have been affected by poverty, neglect, abuse, lack of opportunity, humanitarian crisis or even blighted by war.
We were founded in 2001 by our head of operations David Hayman and work across the world to reach children in need. We currently have operations running in Scotland, Palestine, Afghanistan and Malawi.
Meet the Team
Meet our team below who are working directly with young people and young families living within our local communities, we look to provide support and encouragement, this can be as basic as helping to provide food and clothing, we also seek to help with education and opportunity by encouraging and supporting young people in the arts, whether it be through music, drama or film making. Spirit Aid believes our young people in Scotland should be encouraged to maximise their potential.
Jim Murphy
Jim has acted as auditor and advisor for various charities and social enterprises and currently acts as a director for a number of charities. He has considerable experience in financial management and corporate governance.
David Hayman
David Hayman is a Multi Award-winning Actor, Director and Broadcaster. He has four Honorary Doctorates, a Fellowship, The City of Glasgow’s Gold Medal and the Institute of Scotland’s Hetherington Gold Medal and the Variety Award for Outstanding Scottish Achievement, all for services to the Arts and Humanity. David set up Spirit Aid in 2001 and has been its director of operations ever since.
Jim Ridley
Jim Ridley is the logistics expert who brings a great knowledge of transport and distribution which are vital skills that support our toy and food hamper appeals, through his expertise we can reach far out into the community and have support delivered to those most in need.
Martin McCrum
Martin has been in the people business for 30 years and in his own businesses for 21 years. His experience is unrivalled in various industries, he is driven by his values and believes in total service and delivery blended with honesty and integrity, his reputation is everything. Martin wants to make a difference through changing people lives both individually and collectively. As an individual Martin is a passionate leader, influential, practical and accurate.
Patrick Rolink
Patrick Rolink has more than 20 years’ experience as an event organiser and has been involved with Spirit Aid for more than 15 years, and currently runs the Spirit Aid office on a day to day basis.
Mitchell Gibb
Mitchell Gibb has been fundraising for various charities for more than 20 years and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support those in need, he has a wealth of ideas and a passion for arranging great events that generate valuable donations to Spirit Aid.
Shona Pettigrew
Shona Pettigrew joined Spirit Aid in September 2021. She is a personable senior manager with extensive skills and knowledge gained in further education and local economic development.
