£55,000 FUNDING TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES OVER WINTER MONTHS

Scotmid have made donations totalling £55,000 through a Winter Giving Campaign, ensuring that as many people as possible have food and shelter over the coldest time of the year.

Funding was provided to more than 80 charities with a focus on helping those dealing with food poverty, as well as organisations that tackle homelessness.

The aim of the support was to assist causes, and those who use them, over the difficult winter months – a period which has traditionally raised additional challenges in comparison to the rest of the year.

 “Winter can be tough for many people, especially for those who rely on foodbanks or who may be struggling with homelessness. It is important for us to support the causes that directly help people in these difficult circumstances across our local communities. We hope the funding has helped to make winter a little easier for people across Scotland.”  Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Membership & Communities at Scotmid.

Shelter Scotland (Aberdeen and Dundee), which offers advice, support and legal services to those struggling with unfit housing and homelessness, received a £2,500.

“We are incredibly grateful to organisations like Scotmid who support community giving to good causes like ours. Our work supports people, families and children across Scotland to ensure every single person, regardless of age and situation have the support they require both in the immediate and long-term.  In addition, we work tirelessly to keep people in their homes, preventing homelessness and dealing with issues for people affected by bad housing. We want a Scotland where a safe and permanent home is a right not a privilege.” Claire Taylor, Regional Fundraiser at Shelter Scotland.

Pictured are Lynne Ogg, Claire Taylor and David, Shelter Time for Change Peer.  David, once personally affected by homelessness, now uses his experience of the impact of unsuitable temporary accommodation to help others.

 “As the months went by in the noisy hostel with no peace or privacy and no hope of a home, I was getting low. A friend recommended I get advice from  Shelter Scotland.  I remember when the Shelter adviser called to say that I was on a waiting list for a social home. I think that call saved my life. Just six weeks later, I was offered my own place.” David, Shelter Scotland