WORKING FOR YOU Chistmas brings out best in generous community

With the season of goodwill upon us, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the generous acts of goodwill demonstrated by so many individuals and groups within my constituency.

Many say that Christmas is about giving. I have been heartened to witness so many people across Coatbridge and Chryston come together to ensure that, especially at this time of year, no person should be in need.

So many of you have generously donated to North Lanarkshire Council and Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire’s “tots to teens” Christmas appeal to spread festive cheer and make Christmas Day a little more special for young people within our communities.

I have been delighted to see so many local businesses support Coatbridge community foodbank’s appeal for donations of gift vouchers and similar suitable gifts for older children to be included in food parcel donations for families who are struggling during the festive period.

Cool School Uniforms have been similarly delighted with the very kind donations and support for their appeal in conjunction with Hope2help and Drumpellier Christian Fellowship are supporting those in need in the community by providing clothing through their winter coat drive. As heartwarming as it is to see so many people selflessly reaching out to help others, it should never become the accepted norm for acts of kindness and charity to routinely backfill the ever-increasing wealth gap caused by relentless austerity, including the draconian Tory policy of universal credit, which has plunged so many people into grinding poverty.

I have heard so many personal accounts of the devastating effects of this policy from my constituents that I cannot believe that the UK Government has not shown some basic humanity and simply halted its rollout.

Despite the hardships many individuals within my constituency face, it is uplifting to see acts of kindness.

The Scottish Government’s motto in honour of St Andrew’s Day was to “make someone’s day” and celebrate generosity.

Some of my constituents may be aware that there was a fire in Stewart Court which resulted in the families of that block of flats being out on the pavement during the early hours of the morning.

What better way to show kindness than to help the affected families who were hit by this awful event right before Christmas?

Clarke’s Fire Protection Services in Coatbridge reached out to those affected and kindly made a donation to the residents.

This act of generosity has gone above and beyond in helping those in need, especially during the holiday season.

I recently held a special Brexit surgery for EU citizens who may be worried about the ongoing situation in relation to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

This gave me an opportunity to let those of you who have made Coatbridge and Chryston your home know that this Scottish Government welcomes and values you and we will fight for your rights as Brexit continues to unfold.

Finally, December 1 was Small Business Saturday. I stopped by to recognise the fabulous Sunnyside Coffee Co, which has been welcomed by many commuters since its opening in May 2017, and I know it is a particular favourite in Coatbridge.

At this time of year I would encourage everyone to check out the local businesses around them when looking at gifts for their loved ones and ensure our local community remains supported.

I have been heartened to witness so many people come together to ensure no person should be in need