Thank You for Making Hope Possible This Christmas
Hi friends!
As we celebrate the season of hope and new beginnings, we at Aruka want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your incredible support over this past year. Together, we are bringing light and transformation into the lives of those battling addiction in Scotland.
This year has been a significant chapter for Aruka, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Highlights include:
Outreach engagements: 360
Keyworking sessions: 199
Rehab referrals: 17
Rehab entrants: 12
Individuals currently in support: 19
Total individuals in one-to-one support over 5 months: 42
A particularly exciting milestone is on the horizon: in July 2024, we employed our first full-time and part-time staff members—an essential step in expanding our reach.
Lives Changed: Simon’s Story
Simon first heard Andy, one of our team members, share his story at a group session in Glasgow six months ago. From there, Andy supported Simon through a rehab placement and has continued to provide consistent one-to-one support. Simon shared:
"Since leaving rehab, I’ve stayed clean from illegal substances. Andy is always just a phone call away and has been a lifeline. The work Aruka has done for me is amazing. One day, I hope to help others in the same way."
Lives Changed: Robert’s Story
Robert, a recovering alcoholic, faced deep struggles with anxiety and depression earlier this year. Andy’s weekly support and guidance have helped Robert make strides in his recovery. He shared:
"Talking to Andy has been therapeutic and healing. I’ve started attending more recovery meetings and have cut back on drinking. With Andy’s help and support from others at church, I’m determined to stop altogether. This has given me hope for my future."
A Crisis in Scotland
Sadly, Scotland continues to face a devastating drug death crisis, with numbers rising again last year. These figures are not just statistics—they represent lives lost and families broken. This crisis highlights the urgent need for charities, churches, and individuals to step forward and make a difference. Together, we are part of the solution, offering hope where it is desperately needed.
A Thank You to Our Partners
We are deeply grateful to our church partners—Freedom City Church in Cumbernauld and Motherwell Baptist Church—for their unwavering commitment to our mission. To the individuals and grant-making bodies who have supported us financially: thank you for believing in this work and enabling us to continue serving those in need.
If you’d like to become a financial parter to help us continue to bring hope to many in 2025 click here https://www.arukauk.com/donate
As we reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth, we are reminded that His love transforms lives—and through your support, we are able to share that love with people who need it most. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Christmas and look forward to continuing this vital work together in 2024.
With gratitude and blessings,
Andy McDougall (CEO & Co-Founder) and Esther O’Connor (COO & Co-Founder)
