Jewellers are diamonds for helping less fortunate
A popular Paisley jeweller is backing local volunteer group A Helping Hand.
John McKay Jewellers has thrown its support behind the not- for-profit team who aim to help those in need by giving them clothing, food and toiletries.
A Helping Hand recently celebrated success of their first soup kitchen where more than 15 people desperate for warmth and shelter were taken care of by the group, which doesn’t receive any funding.
And as soon jewellery owner Lesley McKay heard about the work of the organisation in the local community, she knew she had to help out.
Lesley said: “I came across the group on social media.
“Last year we collected sleeping bags and gloves and other things.
“This year we were going to put a box on the counter and buy some rooms at the night shelter but when I saw the project I thought it was a better idea and it’s local. It’s a very worthy cause.
“We’re promoting it on social media. We’ve got a notice in the shop and we’re chatting to customers about it.
“We’ve got about five carrier bags to drop off to the group tomorrow. The girls and myself are doing it on a personal level as well.”
Having been in the town for over three decades, Lesley praised the people of Paisley for their desire to help others in the town who are less fortunate.
She added: “Paisley has a great community spirit.
“I’ve been working in the town for 30 years. We know most of the groups, most of the people, the guys who are on the street.
“You can’t bypass them without getting to know them.”
And although this is the season of giving, Lesley insists the jewellers will continue to support projects which aim to give families in the town a much-needed boost.
She said: “We do a lot in the community. We support a lot of the nurseries, schools, fetes and what we tend to do is give a lot of them a small donation, rather than one big donation.”
John Mckay Jewellers is at 53 Moss Street, in the centre of town.
A Helping Hand runs soup kitchens every Tuesday night at Marks and Spencers on the High Street.
For more information on the group’s work, you can visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ events/2104875866494504/