The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
End austerity call as Brechiners rally round
Angel Tree Appeal response praised, but councillor says it highlights need
An Angus councillor has demanded an end to austerity after Brechin residents answered a call to provide 160 gifts for children in the town.
Councillor Kenny Braes, SNP member for Brechin and Edzell, praised the “overwhelming” response to Brechin Cathedral’s Angel Tree Appeal – but spoke of his sadness that so many families were struggling to make ends meet.
Irene Gillies and church volunteers have collected enough parcels to help 61 families ensure there will be at least one gift under the tree this year.
The team said Universal Credit was behind the high number of referrals and people across Angus were suffering high levels of hardship.
Mr Braes said: “It just shows how much of a community spirit there is in Brechin, but also how much need there is.
“It is a terrible tragedy it has come to this stage that, in the year 2018, there are so many people who are in so much need,” added the councillor.
Irene thanked all those who donated and said it proved “charity begins at home”.
Organisers of the annual Angel Tree Appeal in Brechin have hailed the generosity of local supporters, who have ensured 160 children will have gifts to open on Christmas morning.
A total of 61 families in need will be helped by the campaign run by Irene Gillies at Brechin Cathedral.
She said she had been humbled by the response but raised concerns about the levels of hidden poverty in Angus.
Irene said: “I have to say a great big thank you to the people of Brechin – their response has been absolutely amazing.
“These are all local children. People are finding it more and more difficult every year, everybody is struggling.”
Every year members of the public choose a gift tag off the tree in the cathedral and buy a present for the boy or girl whose age is on the card.
Church volunteers liaise with various agencies to ensure the toys reach those who need them most.
Irene and her team have been assisted by Paul Cassidy, manager of the town’s Tesco store, who has helped with supplying some of the toys.
“These are all local children. People are finding it more and more difficult every year, everybody is struggling
She said: “He has been brilliant and has got us some lovely gifts. The tree went up in the church on the first Sunday in December – there were 160 tickets on it and after three days there were only 20 left.
“Some of the children will be able to get two toys, that’s how generous everyone has been.”
Irene said many families were in a desperate situation following the introduction of Universal Credit, with reports of some waiting six weeks to get their money.
“It’s appalling, they don’t have a lot of extras,” she said.
“These presents are for the children of Brechin.
“They are very special and will help guarantee there will be one present under the tree.
“Brechin people have been looking after their own, proving charity really does begin at home.”
Praising the community efforts, Angus councillor Kenny Braes called for an end to austerity and said it was hitting families hard.
The SNP member for Brechin and Edzell said: “It just shows how much of a community spirit there is in Brechin, but also how much need there is.
“It is a terrible tragedy it has come to this stage that, in the year 2018, there are so many people in so much need.”
He said he was aware of families struggling as a result of Universal Credit payments.
“It is biting families hard, society is getting more and more ill-divided when they need to be going the other way,” he said. “We need more people like Irene Gillies.”