Appeal Launched to Bring Christmas to 150 North East Children

With just five weeks left before Christmas, Barratt North Scotland has today (Thursday 20 November) launched an appeal with Scotland’s children’s charity, Aberlour, to help over 150 vulnerable children from Moray, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire enjoy a happy Christmas.

The housebuilder is urging local people, businesses and organisations to donate unwrapped gifts to any of its north east marketing suites or offices, each of which will be delivered directly to a child who receives support from Aberlour in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray area.

Aged from newborn up to 17 years, many of the children, young people and families supported by Aberlour are affected by crime, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and disability.

The largest solely Scottish children’s charity, Aberlour helps these children by providing training, support, parenting advice, residential care and respite services across the nation.

It has four centres providing a variety of services in the north east including two in Elgin, one in Bucksburn and one in Old Aberdeen.

Speaking of the appeal, Mike Cowie, Sales Director at Barratt North Scotland, commented: “At this time of year we can all get caught up in the buzz of Christmas and the anticipation of opening presents, eating good food and spending quality time with our friends and family. It’s easy to forget about those whose lives are very different from our own.

“For many of Aberlour’s children, a gift on Christmas Day can make a huge difference to their happiness and wellbeing, bringing light to what can be a lonely and isolating time for many.

“We are very pleased to be supporting such a hardworking and worthwhile charity this Christmas, and we’d like to thank everyone who is able to support our campaign.”

Lydia Fyall, Senior Fundraising Executive at Aberlour, added: “Our top priority is the wellbeing of all children in Scotland, and we work directly with children and young people in communities all over the country. From our centres in Elgin and Aberdeen, we support more than 150 children from a variety of different backgrounds. Some are just a few months old, whilst others are approaching adulthood.

“We’re extremely grateful for Barratt North Scotland’s support in helping us bring some Christmas cheer to their lives with a small gift on Christmas Day. We’re also very thankful to everyone who supports the campaign by donating a gift over the coming weeks.”