LIFT D&G spread some festive cheer thanks to public generosity

A north west Dumfries community group has been giving out a festive Gift From LIFT thanks to overwhelming public generosity.

In December 2016, Angela Gilmour and friends formed LIFT D&G (Lochside Is Families Together) in a bid to “better Lochside and make it a happy and bright place for kids to grow up in” and it has gone from strength to strength.

This Christmas Angela and the volunteers at LIFT set out on a project Gift from LIFT, initially aiming to give gifts to around 50 children at the North West Community Campus needing a festive treat.

But, thanks to donations from a wide range of organisations, businesses, charities and individuals, it grew into a huge community effort that was able to reach far more people needing a LIFT.

Angela said they were inundated with referrals for food parcels, trees, toys and gifts, but with huge community support they have been able to “help out people when they are needing it most”.

She said: “I am happy to say that we have helped give gifts, presents and food to a whopping 516 people, between our parcels and our partnership work.

“Loads of families have benefited from a wee bit of Christmas cheer this year.”

Gift From LIFT was one of the organisations which was supported by the Dumfries and Galloway Standard Toy Appeal for underprivileged children in the community.

Among others who donated were: Anne Armstrong, Dumfries ARC, Scott Jardine and family, Gayle Currie and her clients, Madison and Willow, Robbie Smith, Story Construction, John Lundy, Mossburn Community Farm, Arla, Coach and Horses, Cat and Mary, Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway and Kenny Bowie at Westsound Cash for Kids.