Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
A time of giving to community causes
Big-hearted Monklands residents and businesses got into the festive spirit by donating to toy appeals and charities to share some Christmas cheer.
Regulars at the Albert Bar in Airdrie raised £1400 for the work of local charity Diamonds in the Community, as well as donating around £400 worth of toys.
The funds were raised at a
successful race night at the Clark Street pub, and handed over to Diamonds development manager Dougy Allsop to help with the group’s projects including providing clothing, furniture and household goods to local families in need.
Dougy said: “We’re delighted to accept this much-needed cash contribution to our charity, and the toy donations were a real bonus.
“Our thanks go to Colin Fulton
of the Albert Bar, his staff and, of course, the fantastic regulars.”
The fundraising boost completes a successful month for the charity, after 30 volunteers took part in a sponsored sleepout in the town centre amid plunging temperatures and raised an impressive total of £8000.
Meanwhile, Airdrie firm Autonomous iot shared in the festive goodwill as they supported the annual toy appeal run by Spirit Aid.
The company’s headquarters at Chapelhall industrial estate was an official collection point for the appeal – and staff, relatives and friends gave generously and handed in dozens of toys and gifts to be distributed to youngsters around Lanarkshire and Glasgow.
Spirit Aid representatives Jim Ridley and Patrick Rolink visited the company to collect the gifts to distribute in time for Christmas.
They were greeted by key accounts director John Irons, who
said: “Autonomous iot is proud to be part of the community of North Lanarkshire and we’re always keen to give back to local people in need, especially at this time of year.
“On behalf of everyone at Autonomous iot, I’d like to thank the staff, directors, company friends and family who contributed to our collection point and hope all the gifts make for a happy Christmas for the children who receive them.”