Charity shop work praised
MSP John marks Children’s Day
MSP for Perthshire North, John Swinney, put his constituency and parliamentary papers aside on Monday morning to visit children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland.
The MSP dropped into the charity’s Blairgowrie shop to find out how the shops help Barnardo’s children’s services - and how that benefits children and young people in the local community - as part of celebrations marking Universal Children’s Day.
Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954 to promote children’s welfare and children’s rights.
Barnardo’s Scotland held a series of events in their shops and services across the country to coincide with the campaign.
Manager of the Blairgowrie store, Jane Townsley, was delighted that Mr Swinney was able to pop into the shop.
She said: “We know how busy he is so it is a great privilege for us that he has been able to make the time to visit the shop.
“He is very supportive of Barnardo’s and the Blairgowrie branch in particular and we are very grateful for his support.”
Mr Swinney said: “Universal Children’s Day is a significant milestone in the year to remember and recognise the importance of focussing on the needs of children and ensuring that they are properly met by us all.
“Barnardo’s do a fantastic amount of work within the community and provide high quality support to children as well as creating the practical opportunity to raise money within the local community.
“And, of course, the work of the staff and volunteers in the Blairgowrie branch is actively supported by local people who give generously to create such a wellstocked shop in the town.”