LIFELINE FOR CITY CHARITY TO HELP CHILDREN
AGLASGOW charity has been of fered a vital lifeline to help support ch i l d r en a he a d o f Christmas. KidsOut, a charity which runs special outings for disadvantaged children as well as providing boxes of toys for little ones in refuge throughout the year, was struggling to find a location to run its annual appeal ahead of December 25.
The charity had been loaned warehouse premises for its Scotland operations, but when it was sold, it was left with nowhere to go.
Thankfully, a family- run Dalmarnock business, Spectrum Properties, stepped in with the offer of a business unit at its Abercromby Business Centre in the East End.
As previously reported, the Glasgow Times has launched its own Toy Bank Appeal, working with charities like KidsOut and corporate sponsors, to help save Christmas for the city’s children.
Mairiona McInally- Kier, chief ambassador Scotland for KidsOut, said: “On behalf of the children we will be able to help this coming festive season, I’d like to thank Spectrum Properties very much for its magnificent generosity towards KidsOut.
“There’s so much uncertainty at the moment that it means the world to be provided with such a fantastic facility to use as a base. “We are truly grateful.”
This year, the charity has successfully provided food vouchers to refuge families during lockdown as well as toys and other treats to help ease some of the strain that has had to be endured.
Thanks to the their new premises the group are able to go ahead with one of their biggest festive traditions.
The annual KidsOut Giving Tree appeal, the inspiration for so many other giving trees internationally, collects brand new toys, books and other treats from companies and individuals throughout and the rest of the UK.
In Scotland, these items are then distributed locally to children disadvantaged by their circumstances, via refuges, smaller charities, schools, social services and community groups.
Spectrum Properties managing director Bill Roddie said: “Charities such as KidsOut can make all the difference between a sad and lonely Christmas and one with smiles, fun, surprises and laughter.
“In Scotland, the charity is run entirely by volunteers and their unstinting efforts have affected many thousands of lives over the years, so we are delighted to make this small contribution which will help them to carry out their most worthwhile mission.”
Scotland
On Friday, the Glasgow Times will include a free paper bag in every copy of the newspaper.
The bag is to be filled with goodies and dropped off at a local toy bank or charity, such as KidsOut or with our corporate sponsors A1 Toys and Storage Vault.
Those shopping online with A1 Toys will be able to drop their bag off to the shop while using the click and collect service.
The toy retailer will add 20% value to any bags they receive in a bid to provide as many gifts as possible for city kids.
From there, it will be picked up by our staff and distributed to local charities to ensure no child wakes up without a gift under the tree this Christmas.
Charities such as KidsOut can make all the difference