About
Granite Heart

Our Story

How Granite Heart began & the community behind it.

Our Mission & Purpose

What drives us to uplift lives across Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire.

Meet the Team

Get to know the people that are making it all happen.

Our Story
Our Purpose
Our Team

Who We Are.

Granite Heart is a grant-giving charity based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We run a welcoming, modern charity shop that turns second-hand goods into first-hand impact, supporting local causes and creating a culture of giving, together.

Our Story.

Founded in early 2024 by Christopher and Ben, Granite Heart was born out of a desire to build something different, a community-driven charity that provides real, local impact.

Drawing on years of experience running successful charity shops, they rallied a group of passionate trustees and volunteers to bring the vision to life.

Setting up a new charity from scratch was no small feat, but thanks to the generosity and hard work of our supporters, we raised over £50,000 in just 12 weeks — an incredible milestone that paved the way for our future.

We officially registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), secured our first retail space, and got to work.

Today, Granite Heart stands as a beacon of what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.

Want to get involved and help our misson? We’d love to hear from you.

Milestones so far:

£50,000+ Raised

Achieved in just 12 weeks through community donations and interest-free loans.

Charity Registered

Officially registered with OSCR within three months of founding.

First Store Opening

Our Westhill store marks the first step in a growing retail presence.

Grant-Giving Launched

Funding now available to support local charities and community groups.

How We Work.

At Granite Heart, every donation sparks a chain of positive impact.

Our model is simple but powerful: generous people donate to our store or directly online, our shops raise funds, and those funds go straight back into the community through local grants. Here’s how your support makes a difference — every step of the way.

Our Misson.

To foster a culture of giving and community empowerment in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Through our current retail store in Westhill, we raise funds for grants that support local charities and initiatives working to improve lives.

Discover ways to help us uplift local initiatives. 

Our Purpose.

We believe in the power of collective giving. Every item donated, every hour volunteered, every grant awarded – it’s all part of a movement to uplift our communities, support vital causes, and create a future built on kindness and solidarity.

Our purpose is to connect people who care with the communities that need it most.

Inspired to help? Join us and make a difference in your community.

How You Can Help.

There are many ways to support Granite Heart, whether it’s donating online, dropping off items in-store, or giving your time as a volunteer.

However you choose to help, your contribution fuels real change in our local communities.

Online Donation

Make an online donation to Granite Heart.

Donate In-store

Visit our store and donate pre-loved items.

Volunteer for Us

Join our team of excellent volunteers.

Meet the Team.

Our team is made up of passionate individuals from all walks of life. Trustees, volunteers, and community champions, each united by a common purpose: to give back.

Ben Jeffries, Co-Founder & Shop Manager, Granite Heart
Ben Jeffries
Co-Founder & Shop Manager
Ben has worked in charity retail since the age of 14 and has helped deliver refurbishments, shop setups, and managed multiple premises...
Christopher Parkes, Co-Founder & Chair Person, Granite Heart
Christopher Parkes
Co-Founder & Chair Person
Christopher has over 20 years’ experience in charity retail and co-founded Granite Heart to support local charities through shop-generated funding...
Jonathan Parkes, Trustee & Treasurer, Granite Heart
Jonathan Parkes
Trustee & Treasurer
Jonathan has over 20 years' experience in the offshore energy sector and is a Chartered Director and qualified barrister...
Elaine McEwan, Trustee & Secretary, Granite Heart
Elaine McEwan
Trustee & Secretary
Elaine has 30+ years' experience in Supply Chain and Oil & Gas, with a background in safety initiatives and youth counselling...
Mary Diack, Trustee, Granite Heart
Mary Diack
Trustee
Mary brings 20+ years of optical and charity experience, including 19 years as a trustee and former chairperson of DAWGS...
Megan Nance, Trustee, Granite Heart
Megan Nance
Trustee
Megan has 40 years' experience in property and education across Aberdeenshire and is now embracing new challenges in retirement...
Laura Taylor, Trustee, Granite Heart
Laura Taylor
Trustee
Laura has a background in retail, Oil & Gas, and now works in finance while running her own business and supporting her local community...
Susan Hay, Trustee, Granite Heart
Susan Hay
Trustee
Susan’s background spans electronics, Oil & Gas, and senior project management — now semi-retired, she coaches in Lean and Agile...
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