Bingo hall’s call for Christmas presents

JONATHAN GEDDES

A Rutherglen bingo hall have appealed to locals to send any unwanted Christmas gifts their way.

Staff at the Mecca Bingo on the Main Street intend to donate the presents to a good cause, ensuring that they will go to good use.

Mecca Bingo have a longstanding partnership with the Carers Trust, and any presents donated by customers to the club will be passed onto the charity.

The Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for the seven million unpaid carers in the UK.

Wendy Buchan, the manager at the venue, explained why they decided to get involved.

She said: “Christmas is all about sharing and feeling generous, but we know that some of us do receive gifts that aren’t suitable or that we already have. That’s why we are launching this amnesty campaign to save presents languishing in the back of the cupboard and instead be donated to a worthy cause.

“There are no words to describe the importance of what carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to continue supporting Carers Trust and help make life that little bit easier for the many unpaid carers across Rutherglen.”

Recent research showed that 71per cent of people in Britain were expected to receive at least one unwanted gift this year, with a total value of almost £17m, which is what prompted staff to decide to encourage customers to give them to a good cause and carry on the festive feeling of goodwill and kindness.

The Carers Trust work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

They offer specialist services for carers of people of all ages and conditions and a range of individually tailored support and group activities.

Anyone looking to drop off a gift can do so by popping into the club on Main Street. Visit www. meccabingo.com for more details.