The Makers’ Exchange, organised by The Makers’ Events at Robert Gordon University, will take place at the Trinity Hall, Aberdeen on Saturday 25 April in support of Erskine Veterans Charity, with all funds raised towards the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC North) in Forres.

Final year events management students at Robert Gordon University are bringing creativity, community and cause together for a one-day showcase designed to make a difference to veterans across northeast Scotland. Hosted at Trinity Hall on Holburn Street, Aberdeen, the Makers’ Exchange Event will celebrate the diverse activities and services available at EVAC North, while creating meaningful opportunities for sponsors, stallholders, demonstrations, workshop vendors and guests to get involved.

The fundraising event will feature local makers, creative businesses and live demonstrations inspired by the wide-ranging programmes offered at EVAC North in Forres, from arts and crafts to wellbeing activities, social connection and skills development. Every pound raised will directly support the centre’s vital work with veterans.

Since opening in January 2025, EVAC North has made a life-changing and life-saving difference to over 650 former service personnel across the region.  It offers a welcoming space where veterans can rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence and reconnect with their community. Funds raised at The Makers’ Exchange will help sustain and expand activity programmes that combat isolation, support mental and physical wellbeing and create lasting peer networks.

Michael Parkes, Fundraising and Development Manager (North) at Erskine, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the students behind The Makers’ Exchange Event for choosing to support Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North. The centre is a lifeline for veterans and their families across the northeast of Scotland, providing a space where former service personnel can take part in meaningful activities, build friendships and regain confidence. The funds raised at this event will directly enhance the opportunities we can offer at EVAC North in Forres and ensure even more veterans feel supported, valued and connected.”

The Makers’ Exchange Event is more than a traditional market. It is an invitation to local businesses and organisations to align their brand with a respected veterans charity, while engaging directly with the Aberdeen community. Sponsors will benefit from strong local visibility, association with a purpose-driven event, and the opportunity to demonstrate corporate social responsibility in action. Stallholders and demonstrators will gain access to a diverse audience eager to support independent enterprise and charitable impact. 

The Makers’ Events said: “The Makers’ Exchange Event is about collaboration, creativity and community. As final year events management students, we wanted to deliver an event that not only showcases the incredible talent within the northeast but also creates a lasting impact. By supporting EVAC North, we are helping to ensure that veterans in our region continue to have access to activities and services that genuinely change lives. We are calling on sponsors, makers and local organisations to be part of something that will leave a meaningful legacy.”

If you’d like to support the Makers’ Exchange on Saturday 25^th April through sponsorship, hosting a stall, giving a demonstration or talk, please contact themakersevents@outlook.com. 

Tickets for the event are available at: https://rguunion.native.fm/event/the-makers-exchange/280015 

Follow the event’s news on Instagram and Facebook at ‘TheMakersEvents’.

For more on the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North in Forres, you can contact michael.parkes@erskine.org.uk or visit https://www.erskine.org.uk/get-support/our-activity-centres/erskine-veterans-activity-centre-north/.

You can also listen back to an interview on SHMU FM, with The Makers’ Events and Erskine here - https://www.mixcloud.com/SHMUFM/shmuradio_sowhydontyouprogramme_witherskineveteranscharity/