Our ‘Meet the Team’ series aims to highlight the exceptional staff and volunteers who work hard to make Camphill School Aberdeen the wonderful place it is. Next up in our ‘Meet the Team’ series is Murron Crawford, who works as a Fundraising Coordinator for Camphill Estates. 

How long have you worked at Camphill School Aberdeen? 

I joined Camphill Estates in the middle of September 2023, so I’ve worked with Camphill School Aberdeen for five months. 

What brought you to Camphill School Aberdeen? 

While studying Events Management at Robert Gordon’s University, I had the opportunity to organise a charity event for one of my modules. I really enjoyed this process and it sparked an interest in me to work within the third sector. 

After seeing the Fundraising Coordinator role advertised, I researched the charity and was amazed by the work they do and how much they help young people with complex additional support needs and their families who need their support - so I applied for the job! 

Coincidentally, not long before I had my interview, my boyfriend’s brother had toured the school as a potential pupil so I got to hear a bit about the school before seeing it for myself. Finlay is now a day student at Camphill School Aberdeen and I often get to see him when I’m out and about taking photographs on the estate – it’s nice to see a familiar face.  

Having this personal connection makes the work more rewarding as it makes me feel like I’m making an impact on an issue that is important to me, and I can see how my work directly benefits those who need it most. Since joining the fundraising team and hearing Finlay’s experience, I’ve had the chance to learn even more about the fantastic work and ethos of Camphill School Aberdeen which has reinforced my commitment to supporting such a worthwhile cause.  

What does your role at Camphill School Aberdeen consist of? 

My role as a Fundraising Coordinator essentially involves supporting everyone on the team – no two days look the same! 

I support the promotion of fundraising campaigns, help with tours when visitors are onsite, research trends in the sector and potential fundraisers for us to get involved with, and help with photography at our internal events.  

What are you most excited to be involved with as you continue in your role? 

I’m excited to continue learning about the charity. Every day I learn something new about the charity’s 80-year history and ongoing projects, and I get to meet a variety of stakeholders involved in the charity.  

I’m also looking forward to being involved in the opening of our sustainable social enterprise, Murtle Market, in summer 2024 which will be our first public-facing venture. Murtle Market will sell seasonal produce from our organic walled garden, showcase the sustainable heritage arts and crafts made by the young people and celebrate the impressive history. This is a great opportunity for the local community to see first-hand the work we do at Camphill School Aberdeen and meet some of the young people the charity supports. 

In the future, perhaps I’ll get the chance to utilise the skills I learned at university to organise an event for Camphill School Aberdeen! 

When complete, how much difference will the Building Futures, Transforming Lives capital appeal campaign make to children, young people and their families at Camphill School Aberdeen? 

The capital appeal will make an incredible difference to the lives of current and future young people at Camphill School Aberdeen. I know first-hand the positive impact Camphill School Aberdeen has on families and the capital appeal will allow this to continue and for more families to benefit from our services. 

I definitely joined the team at an exciting time as we continue to fundraise to reach our goal of £10 million in 10 years for our Building Futures, Transforming Lives campaign. There’s a lack of residential placements for children with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs in Scotland so this campaign couldn’t come at a better time! 

The work Camphill School Aberdeen does for children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs is truly remarkable and I’m grateful to be a part of the team.