Offerings of true Christmas kindness

Bar Milano in Giffnock decided that it was time to do something to help Glasgow’s homeless population, and contacted the Glasgow Soup Kitchen to organise a special festive event.

The East Ren restaurant and soup kitchen volunteers set up stall at Cadogan Street car park in the city centre, providing warm meals for 40 homeless men and women.

One such volunteer was Emma Fleming (23), who said: “Homelessness is a massive issue in Glasgow. It is important for us all to use our time a bit more responsibly, to help out.

“It’s important for businesses to get involved as it doesn’t happen often, and hopefully other restaurants will follow Milano.”

The Christmas kindness didn’t stop there, as Waitrose Newton Mearns staff pulled out all the stops to provide Christmas lunch for older and housebound people.

The company has been fundraising for Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP), and the result is that 140 people received a Christmas food pack, allowing the charity’s befrienders to visit and cook for service users on the big day.

The Waitrose campaign also provided lunches for nearly 17,000 elderly, homeless and vulnerable people at 300 events across the country — ensuring a happier Christmas for those in need.

Laura Widdop, customer services advisor at the Newton Mearns branch, commented: “The befriending service provided in our own community is a wonderful initiative, and we are delighted to have been able to make a difference and support the charity in its fundraising efforts.”