Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Christmas appeal off to a flyer
Santa and his elves are not the only ones working hard just now – the good people of Monklands have been putting in the hours to ensure children will have a great Christmas.
As a director of Spirit Aid, I am so proud of the fact that the locals have been so kind and generous in supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal, which the Advertiser promotes in such a successful way – a great example of a local paper supporting its community.
There was a terrific turnout of local well-kent faces as Coatbridge columnist and entertainer, Edward Reid, and Rangers and Scotland legend Willie Henderson joined some of the cast of River City to promote this year’s toy appeal.
And already, we have seen a great response...as is always the case.
The great thing about these wee events is the patter as it’s always brilliant.
Willie held court with tales of playing for World selects.
And then Edward belted out a couple of classic Christmas tunes that had everyone in stitches in his unique and entertaining manner.
Caldercruix, Kirkwood and Thrashbush were all topics of conversation as we discussed our childhood memories of Christmas. And we recalled toys we had received as children, ranging from cowboy outfits to Scalextric – and I told them how all the cars never stayed on the track.
The one thing we all agreed on though, was that through the Advertiser’s annual toy appeal, a lot more children will have a better Christmas this year than they would have had. And a much better present than the tangerine Willie said he received when he was a boy (aye, right ye are Willie!)
I also enjoyed a great visit to Tesco Coatbridge with River City star Keira Lucchessi, alias Stella, where we received an amazing reception from shoppers, many of whom were obviously fans of the show, and wanted to know all about the Tiser toy appeal.
It never fails to amaze me the way in which people actually think they know “Stella”, and talk to her as though she is an old friend.
Indeed, one woman came up and asked Keira: “How’s Stevie and the baby doing these days”..... and then left a wee toy for “Stella’s” baby. But don’t worry, we will ensure it finds a good home.