Article Source: The Leith Collective
Last Updated: 27 November 2023 15:20
As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families are facing a crisis this Christmas. The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas.
Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year.
All items will be available for anyone to collect at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort, and Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary;
“We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement. There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families - and the festive season will be no different. Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”
Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours. It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.
The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre
Glasgow
G1 4BW
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm, seven days a week
The Leith Collective at Glasgow Fort
Unit 31
G34 9DL
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 10pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm seven days a week
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MOREJoin a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MORECharity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MOREMusic lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MOREGo Forth Stirling, the city’s BID (Business Improvement District), is hosting a Mini-Olympics with fun and games for all the family in the pedestrianised section of Port Street.
READ MOREIn the halls of Bannockburn House a team of dedicated volunteers have uncovered a rare and fascinating piece of history that could have altered the story of the nation.
READ MOREMacrobert Arts Centre is delighted to announce the return of the annual Christmas Appeal, which provides local disadvantaged families and young people with tickets to Macrobert’s pantomime.
READ MOREIn response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MOREThe landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORETrust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MOREOn 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MOREA series of blooming planters are adding a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre this summer.
READ MOREDobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MORENeurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.
READ MORESituated in the heart of the historic region is the iconic Crieff Hydro Hotel, which has announced a host of exciting summer activities for the whole family to get involved in.
READ MOREAn incredible eight businesses and individuals in the Stirling area are in the running for the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.
READ MOREArtists and creatives in the Stirling area are being invited to put their ideas forward to design trophies for the prestigious Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.
READ MORERenfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.
READ MOREVisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
READ MOREScotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.
READ MOREAction Glen Adventure Park, located at Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire will welcome a trio of robotic-dinos on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July.
READ MORECommunity groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.
READ MOREBe Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.
READ MOREOn the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.
READ MOREBorders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!
READ MORESleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.
READ MOREScotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.
READ MOREThe inaugural Summer Sessions at Stirling City Park have won widespread praise after thousands of music fans attended a series of headline concerts in the shadow of Stirling Castle.
READ MOREDobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.
READ MORE