Latest news with #YouthActionFund
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
First look at multi million pound Distillers One of One 2025 charity auction - including 'pill-like' oldest Laphroaig
The Distillers One of One has revealed the first old, rare and unique lots for its highly anticipated third auction, set to take place on Friday 10 October 2025 at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with Sotheby's. The landmark charity auction will bring together the Scotch Whisky industry in a shared spirit of generosity and support, featuring 40 lots from 36 donor companies. Since the initial auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has established itself as the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged. The commitment from donors has helped raise £4.3 million to date, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform young people's lives in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. Thanks to this vital support, over 3,300 young people have been engaged since 2022, with approximately 1,000 young people supported each year and funding delivered at an average of £1 million annually. The journey to lasting employability is often long and complex, and the sustained support provided through the Youth Action Fund has already led to 2,271 employability outcomes to date (June 2025), including employment, apprenticeships, further education, and structured volunteering. Equally important are the 16,462 soft outcomes - such as increased wellbeing, motivation, and resilience - and 12,617 progression milestones achieved, including literacy and numeracy qualifications, work placements, mentoring, and financial management training. These foundational achievements are critical stepping stones on the pathway to employment, and a testament to the life-changing impact this initiative continues to have on Scotland's young people. At an action impact review in April 2025, we heard from some of the young people who have been supported by the fund through charities - Street League Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (Fare), and the Talk About Trust. Louise Stevenson, Youth Action Fund manager, explained some of the challenges faced by young people these days, saying: 'Challenges include mental health anxiety which naturally peaks at transition points in your life. But referrals to mental health services for young people increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023. Men are so overwhelmed that they cannot leave the house or engage socially. "Community disconnection and a sense of belonging is critical to someone's well being, and yet, for many young people, the feeling of isolation is normal.' Ms Stevenson added: 'The Scotch whisky industry's willingness to use its most-valuable assets in this collective philanthropic endeavour is truly humbling and unparalleled in our experience. The industry is having a transformational impact on the lives of Scottish young people who are struggling and at risk of not achieving their potential.' Three of the young people who have been helped by the Fund and charities it supports included Lewis, who, through attending Street League (which uses sport to give support and skills) is now a personal trainer having undertaken higher education. "Before attending Street League, Lewis suffered from bad anxiety and struggled to leave his home. Now he's in his 'dream job' , one he 'couldn't have imagined doing five years ago.' Aberfeldy 49YO Single Cask Laphroaig capsule Royal Brackla 50 year old Ladyburn Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said of the charity work so far: 'The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves - the scale of impact is really incredible. '2025 has already brought its share of surprises and uncertainties on the global stage, and the whisky industry is feeling those effects too. That's why we are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour, to keep raising funds for such a vital cause. 'Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots - and we can assure you, this year's line-up is raising the bar once more!' Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby's, added: 'Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts, merging the most historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking and innovative designs. 'These lots incorporate everything imaginable, from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography. Being entrusted, once again, to present these whiskies to the world's most dedicated collectors, all to raise money for a worthy cause, is a privilege.' Lots this year include: 'The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old", a rare single malt Scotch whisky presented in a handblown glass magnum decanter; 'The Glenlivet SPIRA', this single malt is presented in the timeless Spira decanter ('spiral' in Latin), an artistic vessel inspired by the dance of the vapours within The Glenlivet's stills and the flowing River Livet; the 'Laphroaig Capsule' - a 40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 and presented in a flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter, hand-blown by Glencairn crystal; the 'Aberfeldy 49 Year Old Single Cask' bottling, which has been exclusively selected for the Distillers One of One Auction 2025 and 'Ladyburn One of One 2025 - Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw' was selected the entry for the Distillers One of One 2025 auction: a single bottle that has been drawn from Cask 102092.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
First look at multi million pound Distillers One of One 2025 charity auction - including 'pill-like' oldest Laphroaig
The Distillers One of One has revealed the first old, rare and unique lots for its highly anticipated third auction, set to take place on Friday 10 October 2025 at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with Sotheby's. The landmark charity auction will bring together the Scotch Whisky industry in a shared spirit of generosity and support, featuring 40 lots from 36 donor companies. Since the initial auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has established itself as the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged. The commitment from donors has helped raise £4.3 million to date, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform young people's lives in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. Thanks to this vital support, over 3,300 young people have been engaged since 2022, with approximately 1,000 young people supported each year and funding delivered at an average of £1 million annually. The journey to lasting employability is often long and complex, and the sustained support provided through the Youth Action Fund has already led to 2,271 employability outcomes to date (June 2025), including employment, apprenticeships, further education, and structured volunteering. Equally important are the 16,462 soft outcomes - such as increased wellbeing, motivation, and resilience - and 12,617 progression milestones achieved, including literacy and numeracy qualifications, work placements, mentoring, and financial management training. These foundational achievements are critical stepping stones on the pathway to employment, and a testament to the life-changing impact this initiative continues to have on Scotland's young people. At an action impact review in April 2025, we heard from some of the young people who have been supported by the fund through charities - Street League Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (Fare), and the Talk About Trust. Louise Stevenson, Youth Action Fund manager, explained some of the challenges faced by young people these days, saying: 'Challenges include mental health anxiety which naturally peaks at transition points in your life. But referrals to mental health services for young people increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023. Men are so overwhelmed that they cannot leave the house or engage socially. "Community disconnection and a sense of belonging is critical to someone's well being, and yet, for many young people, the feeling of isolation is normal.' Ms Stevenson added: 'The Scotch whisky industry's willingness to use its most-valuable assets in this collective philanthropic endeavour is truly humbling and unparalleled in our experience. The industry is having a transformational impact on the lives of Scottish young people who are struggling and at risk of not achieving their potential.' Three of the young people who have been helped by the Fund and charities it supports included Lewis, who, through attending Street League (which uses sport to give support and skills) is now a personal trainer having undertaken higher education. "Before attending Street League, Lewis suffered from bad anxiety and struggled to leave his home. Now he's in his 'dream job' , one he 'couldn't have imagined doing five years ago.' Aberfeldy 49YO Single Cask Laphroaig capsule Royal Brackla 50 year old Ladyburn Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said of the charity work so far: 'The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves - the scale of impact is really incredible. '2025 has already brought its share of surprises and uncertainties on the global stage, and the whisky industry is feeling those effects too. That's why we are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour, to keep raising funds for such a vital cause. 'Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots - and we can assure you, this year's line-up is raising the bar once more!' Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby's, added: 'Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts, merging the most historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking and innovative designs. 'These lots incorporate everything imaginable, from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography. Being entrusted, once again, to present these whiskies to the world's most dedicated collectors, all to raise money for a worthy cause, is a privilege.' Lots this year include: 'The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old", a rare single malt Scotch whisky presented in a handblown glass magnum decanter; 'The Glenlivet SPIRA', this single malt is presented in the timeless Spira decanter ('spiral' in Latin), an artistic vessel inspired by the dance of the vapours within The Glenlivet's stills and the flowing River Livet; the 'Laphroaig Capsule' - a 40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 and presented in a flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter, hand-blown by Glencairn crystal; the 'Aberfeldy 49 Year Old Single Cask' bottling, which has been exclusively selected for the Distillers One of One Auction 2025 and 'Ladyburn One of One 2025 - Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw' was selected the entry for the Distillers One of One 2025 auction: a single bottle that has been drawn from Cask 102092.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dropping minors' working restrictions gets first House committee approval
Advicates with the Youth Action Fund and Florida Student Power Network hold up protest signs outside the House Industries & Professional Activities subcommittee on April 1, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) A Florida House committee approved a bill to eliminate key child labor protections, in the measure's first sign of life in the chamber. A similar bill passed a Senate committee last week to the dismay of critics worried that the measure would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work longer hours, as well as 14- and 15-year-olds who receive permission from their school superintendent or are home schooled or enrolled in online school. Florida Senate committee votes to repeal child labor restrictions The House bill would remove Florida child labor protections by allowing minors to work more than 30 hours per week during the school year; work more than eight hours in a day without a 30-minute break; and work more than eight hours the day before a school day. Rep. Monique Miller, a Republican representing part of Brevard County, is leading the bill through the House, which is similar to Sen. Jay Collins' version in the Senate, including two amendments made Tuesday in the House. Collins represents part of Hillsborough County. As amended, the House bill, HB 1225, now would prevent students from working overnight before school days. The original filed bill, along with Collins' existing language, axes a state law cutting off minors' workdays at 11 p.m. The House amendment now proposes cutting off work before a school day at 10 p.m. The other amendment, Miller said, was to include a request from former Sen. Randy Fine, on behalf of his son David, to enable 13-year-olds to work during the summer during the year they turn 14. Regardless of Florida law, employers have to abide by federal minor employment regulations, particularly the Fair Labor Standards Act, which mostly prohibits 13-year-olds from working in jobs outside of agriculture. 'Because federal law says that children cannot work under age 14 except in agricultural settings, this amendment only serves to change the age a Florida child can work on a farm from 14 to 13,' Florida Policy Institute CEO Sadaf Knight said in a news release. 'This alarming development seemingly looks to our youngest teens to fill an agricultural labor shortage gap. If lawmakers truly prioritize the health, safety, and education of Florida youth, they will reject any further undoing of child labor protections in our state.' Last week, before the amendment reinstating a prohibition for overnight work was filed, House Speaker Daniel Perez said he had 'personal concerns' with the bill and that he has 'been kind of going back and forth.' Rep. Michele Rayner argued that some children lack guardians who might protect them against exploitation, while Rep. Yvonne Hinson said she's concerned the bill is not considerate of educational outcomes. 'I really have a problem with this, because the unintended consequence could potentially be exploitation of our children,' Rep. Angie Nixon said. As for potential pressure from employers to work excessive hours, 'God gave us a great barrier for that, and that is parents. Parents can definitely oversee what children are allowed to do,' Miller said. However, she confirmed there was no provision in the bill addressing parental rights for employed minors. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Democrats and some public speakers referenced comments from Gov. Ron DeSantis two weeks ago, when he said, 'Why do we say that we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when, you know, teenagers used to work at these resorts, college students should be able to do this stuff.' Miller and Collins both deflected that the governor's comments addressed a labor shortfall amid stricter immigration enforcement and instead talked about how minors benefit from having a job. Miller said the bill is 'giving them the opportunity to be productive citizens when they graduate.' The bill passed the subcommittee 12-6. The no-votes came from Democrats joined by GOP Rep. Susan Valdes, who switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican before this session. The bill is assigned to two additional committees — Intergovernmental Affairs and Commerce. 'I'm once again here speaking on behalf of our students who are currently in class trying to get their education, trying to move forward, and they cannot be here to speak to all of you as adults that are putting their lives at risk, in jeopardy,' Laura Muñoz, civic engagement director with Florida Student Power, said during public testimony on the bill. The meeting was attended by several youth advocates from Minds Without Borders, Youth Action Fund, and Florida Student Power Network. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
