HIGH PRAISE FOR XMAS TOY APPEAL FROM FIRST MINISTER
Local politicians share support for our Bank on Us campaign ahead of paper donation bag launch
SCOTLAND’S First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged her support for the Glasgow Times Bank on Us toy drive. The Glasgow MSP gave her backing to the appeal for the third year in a row, insisting it was a “fantastic” initiative to help save Christmas for struggling families.
In just three days’ time, our handy paper bags will be available inside every copy of the Glasgow Times ready to be filled up with newly bought toys and delivered to your local toy bank.
Those who would rather skip the shops can still join our campaign by donating to our GoFundMe page.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Christmas should feel special for every child, and this campaign could make all the difference for many families across Glasgow.
“We are doing everything we can to help people heat their homes and meet rising food costs but something as simple and thoughtful as a small toy or gift could make all the difference to a child who may otherwise go without this Christmas.
“That is why I am delighted to support this incredible campaign to spread some festive cheer at the end of another particularly difficult year and would encourage anyone who is able to take part to consider contributing to the Glasgow Times’ campaign too.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton joined the First Minister in her praise for the appeal.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone who supports the Bank on Us campaign. This is a great cause, and I would urge everyone to get behind it.
“For many families, there have been precious few chinks of light in a dark few years. “This is a chance to spread some Christmas cheer to those in need and let them know they are not forgotten.” Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council politicians also offered their support and encouraged readers to get behind the appeal. Labour group leader Councillor Malcolm Cunning said: “This is a fantastic campaign to help families struggling this Christmas. “We are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis that is causing hardship for too many. “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and comfort, but the sad reality is that many of our fellow Glaswegians are facing financial difficulties at this time of year.”
He added: “This campaign is an opportunity to give to those in need and spread a bit more joy throughout the city.”
While councillor Jon Molyneux of the Scottish Greens said: “Acts of kindness and solidarity are so important after another difficult year, so I’m delighted that the Glasgow Times is once again running the Bank on Us campaign to help put smiles on children’s faces this Christmas.”
As previously reported, readers can collect newly bought toys and fill the paper bags for delivery at toy banks throughout the city.
A full list of drop off locations will be included in Friday’s newspaper.
Last year’s toy appeal delivered around 100,000 gifts to children from the city’s most deprived families and raised £15,000.
Dozens of charities, nurseries and schools were able to benefit from the campaign and it’s hoped this year our readers will help make the campaign an even larger success.
The Bank on Us toy appeal GoFundMe page can be found at gofundme.com/f/glasgow-times-toyappeal-2021