After first supporting Craig Mathieson, Polar Explorer and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Explorer in Residence on the Scot 100 Expedition to the South Pole in 2004, Tiso Group continued to sponsor Craig as he gave talks sharing his experiences and insights to schools nationwide.
A chance encounter at one of these talks led to Craig mentoring a young person on an expedition in 2006 to the North Pole. The trip changed not only the boy’s life but that of his entire family in the most positive and unexpected way.
Seeing the extraordinary potential impact evidenced first-hand, Craig was determined that this not be a unique event and instead be a catalyst for something far greater and more ambitious.
The Polar Academy was born. They have now worked with 180 young people and their families directly to date, impacting over 90,000 members of the community annually – taken from their website at https://www.thepolaracademy.org/polar_academy_about/
The Polar Academy has worked with young people from Bucksburn Academy in Aberdeen last year.
Maciej Dokurno, Head of External Relations & Fundraising, will talk about the beginnings of the Polar Academy (where Craig’s idea for this unique children’s mental wellbeing charity came from), their programme structure and most importantly the impact it has on the young people, their families and local communities. He will share some testimonials and case studies from their graduates and talk about their 2024/25 and 2025/26 programmes.
The lunch will be held at the RNUC with a 12.14pm start time with a cost of £20 (increase announced 19th February).
If you wish to attend, please email Clerk, Garry Stevens at – clerk@aberdeenburgesses.com advising of any dietary requirements
Payment can be paid via cheque made payable to Burgesses of Guild of the City of Aberdeen and sent to Garry Stevens, Clerk to the Burgesses of Guild, 6 Craigarbel Crescent, Inverbervie, Montrose DD10 0SJ or via BACS to: Sort Code 826011, Account Number 50325609, Ref Surname/March Lunch