Spreading Christmas cheer with Age Scotland's Big Gift Appeal
Age Scotland’s Big Gift Appeal aims to make Christmas a little brighter for older people who might be isolated or alone during the festive period.
New research from Age Scotland highlights that more than 64,000 pensioners say they don’t have anyone to exchange cards or gifts with this Christmas.
As the Scottish charity for older people, Age Scotland aims to tackle loneliness and isolation. For the first time this year, we have been working in strategic partnership with ScotRail, Scotland’s Railway to spread kindness this Christmas through our Big Gift Appeal initiative.
Thanks to the generosity of ScotRail employees, dozens of thoughtful gifts will be distributed to older people supported by Age Scotland, helping to combat loneliness, and reminding them that they are valued and not alone.
ScotRail’s partnership with Age Scotland aims to raise awareness of issues affecting older people, such as loneliness and isolation, and to provide much-needed support through fundraising and community initiatives.
Tracy Stevenson, ScotRail Community Rail Executive, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our staff for their kindness"
“The Christmas perid can be a difficult time for many older people, and it’s heartwarming to see our teams come together to make a positive difference.
“Each gift donated is a small gesture that will mean so much to those receiving it.”
Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said:
“These wonderful gifts will be gratefully received by older people"
“It’s so sad to think that on most of the streets in Scotland there will be an older person who doesn’t have anyone else in their life to exchange a gift or card with this year.
“ScotRail staff have been very thoughtful, and it will show that acts of kindness like this can go a very long way indeed. Our partnership really does mean a lot to us and we know that by working together we will be able to help many more older people who are lonely and isolated.”
Whilst it is too late to get involved in gift-giving this Christmas if you are interested in learning more about our Big Gift Appeal there's still time to donate.
If you would like to find out more about getting involved next year, please get in touch with our fundraising team by emailing: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk
