Help for the homeless

BETHANY CHRISTMAS MARKET – 9 AND 10 DECEMBER

BETHANY CHRISTIAN Trust, the Scottish homelessness charity asks shoppers to help people without a home this winter by purchasing a Caring Christmas Tree.

For the first time, this year, Bethany are also partnering with St Stephen's Church in Comely Bank to put on a Christmas market on 9 and 10 December. This will be an opportunity to browse stalls from local Edinburgh vendors, enjoy some home baking and a warm beverage, and listen to live music performances from pupils at Broughton High School.

Visitors to the market will also be able to book to pick up their tree at the same time, making for a perfect festive afternoon. Caring Christmas Trees has been running in Scotland for over 16 years, selling more than 3,000 trees last year and raising

£47,093 towards Bethany's work helping people in need across Scotland. Priced from £40 and sustainably grown in West Lothian, shoppers can buy a freshly cut Grade One Nordmann fir tree to add festive warmth to their home this Christmas.

All proceeds from the social enterprise go towards providing outreach, drop-in support, shelter, befriending, new opportunities and professional support to thousands of people during the harsh winter months.

Caring Christmas Trees will be available to pre-purchase online or by calling 0345 111 8733 anytime now. The trees will be ready for collection at various locations in Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife in December. Trees can also be ordered for delivery in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the end of November and early December. www.caringchristmastrees.com