One of Scotland's largest children's charities is making an emotional plea for donations as their fund for disadvantage Glasgow families runs out of cash.
Aberlour Children's Charity has had to close its Urgent Assistance Fund, which provides immediate assistance to households in extreme hardship, following the impact of Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.
The charity has given out almost £1.5million worth of grants to those in need since April 2021, with the average financial support awarded costing around £370.
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Families utilise this cash assistance to buy clothes, food, bedding and to help pay utility bills.
However, with the charity is unable to accept new applicants due to the lack of funds and has now launched a new campaign to raise awareness.
Their new TV ad follows a family whose lives are turned upside down by the cost of living crisis, a familiar story to many during these tough times.
Glasgow support worker Chloe Taylor said: “We work daily with families who have always lived normal lives but sadly the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis has created extreme stress in the household.
"When there are so many families looking for support, it can be very easy to be forgotten, so initiatives and financial support such as the Urgent Assistance Fund are absolutely vital for struggling families in the central belt.”
Aberlour Children's Charity Chief Executive added: “This is one of the most challenging periods families have faced in decades and Scotland’s poorest children face a dark, cold winter.
"The worst-off families in our communities can simply no longer afford to put the lights on, heat their homes, put food on the table, or buy basic necessities for their children such as a bed or bedding.
“Every penny donated to Aberlour goes directly to families and our Urgent Assistance Fund has been a vital means to many. However, the reality is that we are only able to help one out of four existing applications and, unfortunately, thefFund is now closed to new applications until we can secure more donations.
“Christmas is a time when families struggle more than any other. As the cost-of-living increases daily, the impact could be devastating, and we are asking anyone that is in a position to contribute – however big or small the amount – to donate via our website to support those in need.”
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