Rutherglen Reformer

So generous

Area thanked for charitable donations

- Kenny Smith

Residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen have made a huge impact by supporting the Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas shoebox appeal.

The group, set up on Facebook, was originally aimed at having around 50 people donating a Christmas gift to a less fortunate child this Christmas.

Within just five weeks the group expanded to over 9000 members.

Due to the overwhelmi­ng success, drop off points were arranged at Universal Connection­s in Rutherglen and Health and Wellbeing Holistic Clinic in Cambuslang. Both venues were delighted with the response, and thrilled that so many people supported such a worthy cause.

Victoria Barnett from Universal Connection­s explained. “When I first heard about the cause on Facebook I thought it was a fantastic idea.

“After I made my own boxes I saw several posts asking if there would be a drop off point in Rutherglen, so thought that I would do all I could to help. The response has been fantastic, and it was very emotional playing just a small part in such a fantastic idea.”

Kelly Ellis added: “I would like to say a huge thanks to my friends and customers at Health and Wellbeing Holistic Clinic in Cambuslang who donated gifts to this wonderful cause, the kindness is very much appreciate­d and overwhelmi­ng.

“It’s a truly wonderful inspiring thing that Julie has done setting this cause up she is a star and will make so many children very happy this Christmas.”

Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas was set up by Julie Griffin in Newton Mearns. She originally thought that she could make a small difference to a few children and never expected the volume of donations which came through. These gifts are going to be delivered to children in and around Glasgow, East Renfrewshi­re, Ayrshire, Lanarkshir­e and Renfrewshi­re.

Julie said: “I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all our members who came from far and wide to donate a gift to brighten up an underprivi­leged child’s Christmas Day.

“To see all of the children bringing their gifts beaming with pride to give a gift to another was magnificen­t. I just can’t believe how successful this campaign has been in just a few weeks.

“Without all our supporters we would never have been able to make this such a success and help so many charities and children this year.”

Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas is sending shoeboxes and gift bags to a range of charities including Womens Aid, Young Carers, Salvation Army, various Foodbanks, Kinship Carers and Children 1st.

 ??  ?? Generosity Zac (6) and Maddie Simpson (4) with just some of the donations
Generosity Zac (6) and Maddie Simpson (4) with just some of the donations

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