A Scottish charity has been forced to cancel its 50th anniversary event after supporters said the cost-of-living crisis meant they could not afford tickets.
Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service said it started planning a Golden Anniversary Ball in 2020 but dropped the event this week.
Supporters told the charity they were “reluctant to spend money when the future is so uncertain”, according to a statement from PKAVS.
Graham Illsley, corporate policy officer at PKAVS, said previous charity balls had raised between £5,000 and £10,000.
The charity works with other voluntary organisations in Perth and Kinross, just north of Edinburgh, and focuses on health and education support.
It has raised about £2m a year in each of the past four years, according to filings with the Scottish Charity Regulator.
PKAVS said: “Sadly, we came to the difficult decision to cancel our charity ball. Supporters across Perthshire have told us that they cannot afford to buy tickets, are concerned about what the coming months will bring, and are reluctant to spend money when the future is so uncertain.
“For many of our beneficiaries, budgeting and managing money is an enormous worry and can be detrimental to their wellbeing. While promoting our charity ball, talking to those we support, and listening to people throughout Perthshire, it has become clear that the cost-of-living crisis is the biggest challenge that they have faced in decades.
“While it is a disappointment for us as an organisation that our celebration will not take place, the precarious months ahead are of much greater significance, and how that will impact the individuals, families and communities we readily engage with is our overriding priority.”
Earlier this week, Scottish charity leaders called for urgent government support to help the sector “keep the lights on” amid sharply rising inflation.
Data released yesterday showed inflation was 10.1 per cent, the highest rate in 40 years. The Bank of England has warned it could rise to 13 per cent by the winter.