Donations save Christmas for Clydesdale charity

New Beginnings Clydesdale’s annual Christmas Appeal was in serious danger of collapsing after its main sponsor pulled out unexpectedly.

However, thanks to a £2,000 donation from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) and the unbelievable support from local people, including another £2,000 from fundraising and cash donations, the charity will be able to hand over a present or two to the kids of a growing number of families in Clydesdale who are struggling to make ends meet, especially at this time of year.

New Beginnings convenor Mary McLellan was quick to pay tribute to the people who have rallied round the charity over the past few weeks.

She said: “Every year our appeal brings festive cheer to local children who may not have a visit from Santa otherwise.

“UK Steel Enterprise has quite frankly saved the day for us.

“Their generous response to our urgent appeal will allow our volunteers to ensure our annual delivery to those children and families most in need continues this December.

“Local people have also dug deep and really helped us out.

“We couldn’t do what we do without financial support from groups and without the support of the people of Clydesdale.

“Local people are helping local people; we have asked for help and people have given us it and I think that’s a wonderful thing.”

For more on this, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette.