Every child in Scotland should receive presents this Christmas - thanks to a new campaign.
The nationwide initiative has been launched to ensure youngsters living in hardship or extreme poverty do not go without this festive season.
The campaign comes when the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the Covid pandemic are pushing more people into poverty and hardship.
People can donate to Scotland’s Christmas Toybank Appeal to be part of making sure that children in families impacted by domestic abuse, those living in a refuge, or those who would otherwise receive no presents have something to open on Christmas Day.
The campaign is led by the Glasgow-based Sarwar Foundation in conjunction with Scottish Women’s Aid and the Glasgow No.1 Baby and Family Support Service.
Organisers, headed up by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, aim to raise £20,000 for this, the ninth annual appeal.
Last year’s fundraiser was a huge success and helped more than 2,000 children across Scotland.
People can make individual donations through JustGiving or companies and organisations that want to support the campaign can get in touch at info@sarwarfoundation.org. All funds go towards new toys or gift vouchers for children.
The Sarwar Foundation, founded by the labour Leader's father, former MP Mohammad Sarwar, delivers life-changing support for people in Scotland and Pakistan.
Anas Sarwar MSP from the Sarwar Foundation said: “Christmas is a time for caring, sharing and spreading love, but for too many families across Scotland it is a time for worry, anxiety and increased hardship.
"This year will be even tougher following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, with a disproportionate impact on those who were already struggling to get by.
"We would be enormously grateful for any support, so please donate generously and help guarantee a Christmas for children across Scotland."
Audrey Dempsey, service manager with the Glasgow No.1 Baby and Family Support Service, said: "No one ever anticipated that in 2021, Christmas would be such a worry and burden for some families, but sadly that is the case - and we look forward to joining forces with the Sarwar Foundation and making sure we play our part in relieving that worry for the parents and bringing joy to the children."
Eilis Slater, external affairs officer with Scottish Women’s Aid, added: "When local Women’s Aid groups across Scotland support the emotional and practical recovery of survivors, partnerships like this one are so crucial in assisting these groups, so that they are able to focus on making an impactful difference for women, children and young people.
"It’s been a challenging period since the outbreak of Covid-19 for survivors and services, and donations are a big component of facilitating support."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
