Gifts for those less fortunate: 4 Scottish charities to support this Christmas

Are you, like many others, planning on donating to Scottish charities this Christmas?

It is a lovely idea to donate to a charity in a loved one’s name at Christmas time, instead of – or as well as – giving a tangible gift.

Scottish charities all benefit greatly from ideas such as this at Christmas time, when animals, children and adults will often suffer in silence.

You could enhance the lives of those less fortunate than yourself, and allow people to celebrate during a time which is often the most difficult for them.

So, please consider donating to one or more of the following Scottish charities this Christmas, and put a big smile on someone’s face…

Aberlour

For the second winter in a row, the impact of the pandemic has increased the number of families trapped in the rising tide of poverty, unable to keep their heads above water. The stress this puts on parents can be unbearable and results in multiple adverse effects on them and their children.

Aberlour Children’s Charity knows that poverty has long-term effects and that, without the correct support right now, some families may never recover.

Aberlour helps to improve the lives of Scotland’s struggling children and young people – children like Rory who, since he was wee, has dreamt of being a professional cyclist.

But Rory didn’t have a bike, nor his own bed, nor clothes that fit and his family struggled to feed him.

Fortunately for Rory, Aberlour has been able to help meet his basic needs as well as fixing up an old bike for him. Aberlour continues to support Rory and will do so for as long as it takes.

Thousands more children like Rory are affected by poverty and are losing out; going to bed cold, worried and with empty tummies. They need your help.

Please donate what you can to Aberlour’s Poverty to Hope appeal by calling 0141 260 9190 or visiting the charity’s website.

Children 1st

This Christmas, let’s make Santa’s list the only list children care about.

The distress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic is having a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and families across Scotland. Thousands of children are stuck on a waiting list to get the help and support they so urgently need.

Your donation can change this. Indeed, your donation is an investment in the future of Scotland’s children. You will help them avoid a waiting list and get them support to recover – as soon as they need it.

One person helped by the charity said: “Without Children 1st, I’m scared to think what would have happened.

“Olivia was there to support us as a family. She has helped us emotionally and practically.

“We are so grateful to Olivia and everyone at Children 1st.”

With your support, children won’t have to worry about a waiting list this Christmas. Donate today on the Children 1st website.

Bransby Horses

Founded in 1968 by Mr Peter Hunt, Bransby Horses is one of the UK’s largest equine welfare and rescue charities, dedicated to improving the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

They have nearly 1,000 equines in their care in Lincolnshire and foster homes around the country, many of whom come from situations of mistreatment and neglect.

Their site at Bransby, just north of Lincoln, is open to the public for free all year round and gives visitors a chance to see the amazing work they carry out first hand.

With public support, Bransby Horses is working harder than ever to continue making positive differences to equines. They rely solely on support from the general public to continue to improve the lives of equines through their key charity principles; rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, education and providing specialist sanctuary care.

You can make a difference this Christmas by purchasing a Bransby Horses Gift Card – help transform the lives of equines in their care by providing funding for essentials such as feed, farriery and vet care.

Choose from food, warmth or wellbeing starting from just £10. In return you’ll receive a lovely gift card to keep or give at Christmas.

For more information call 01427 788464 or visit the Bransby Horses website.

Mindspace

Winter is a particularly difficult time for people who face mental health challenges, and Christmas can be especially hard.

Mindspace has been providing mental health support throughout Perth and Kinross for 40 years. Its holistic service offers one to one therapy with a highly trained counsellor and peer support from someone with lived experience who can relate to what you are going through.

There are also group courses designed help you to understand your mental health and give you the tools and techniques to manage it.

Mindspace supports children as young as eight years old and offers its services not just in Perth but in rural areas all around the region too.

After the past two years of living through the covid pandemic, which has impacted all our lives and our mental health, consider making a donation to Mindspace this Christmas, to make sure that everyone has access to the support they need.

You can donate by visiting the Mindspace fundraising page, and visit the website for more information.