Fundraising Champion Emily Chambers Goes Above and Beyond

Recognised for going above and beyond to support Enable Communities’ work, Emily Chambers was named Fundraising Champion in 2025. We caught up with Emily to find out about her work, the nomination and what it meant to be named Fundraising Champion.  

As a Youth Coordinator in the Campaigns and Activism team, Emily sees first-hand the difference youth services can make - creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel connected, confident and supported to be themselves.   

But for Emily, supporting young people extends far beyond her day-to-day role. Determined to help ensure these services continue to grow and reach those who need them most, she dedicated her own time to fundraising for Enable Communities. 

Explaining what inspired her to get involved, Emily said: 

“I chose to fundraise as I see where the money from fundraising goes. Being part of the Communities’ team means we rely on fundraising more than ever to help keep our youth and community groups running.” 

For Emily, fundraising is about much more than reaching a target. It is about creating meaningful experiences and lasting opportunities for young people - whether through trips, new activities, developing life skills or simply having a place where they feel they belong. 

Having completed the Kiltwalk the previous year, Emily was eager to challenge herself once again. Alongside three friends, she took on the Kiltwalk’s Mighty Stride challenge, raising an impressive £1,200 in support of Enable’s community projects. 

That commitment is something her colleagues recognised from the very beginning. Jane McDonald, Enable Communities Programme Manager, reflected on the impact Emily has made since joining the team.   

“When we interviewed Emily almost three years ago, we could see something special in the person before us. It has been our honour to watch her grow and develop her skills and confidence over the years.” 

Jane also praised Emily’s willingness to support others, adding that she has “gone above and beyond on many occasions” and is “an inspiration to the young people she supports.” 

For Emily, the importance of fundraising is closely linked to the growing need for inclusive youth services. She explained that more young people with a learning disability are experiencing isolation, anxiety and low confidence, making these opportunities more important than ever. 

“Our youth groups give the opportunity for young people to have the space to be themselves, make friendships and gain life skills for the future.” 

Emily also highlighted the importance of helping young people develop independence through travel experiences and activities across Scotland - opportunities made possible through fundraising support. 

“There aren’t many inclusive spaces and groups for young people with disabilities, and it is really important that these kinds of groups are running. Every young person deserves the opportunity to attend these kinds of groups and have the chance to create friendships and feel confident enough to be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive space.”  

Being named Fundraising Champion 2025 was a fitting recognition of Emily’s passion, generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Reflecting on receiving the award, she said:  

“It is a proud achievement to receive the award. It is great that Enable shows recognition to the people who are trying to help make a difference. It gives me motivation to fundraise again this year.” 

Emily’s fundraising efforts will have a lasting impact, helping more young people access the support, opportunities and sense of belonging they deserve as we work to build a more inclusive and equal society.  

Enable Communities work is focused on making the  United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (#UNCRPD) a reality in Scotland and across the world, especially in relation to: #Article 30 - Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport