Good causes across Scotland received a share of £52,000 funding from Scotmid Co-operative to help support them this winter, ensuring that as many people as possible have food and shelter over the coldest time of the year.
Funding was provided to more than 80 charities with a focus on helping those dealing with food poverty, as well as organisations that tackle homelessness.
The aim of the support, which comes as part of Scotmid’s Winter Giving campaign, was to assist causes, and those who use them, over the difficult winter months – a period which has traditionally raised additional challenges in comparison to the rest of the year.
Shelter Scotland (Aberdeen and Dundee), which offers advice, support and legal services to those struggling with unfit housing and homelessness, received a £2,500 donation from Scotmid.
"We are incredibly grateful to organisations like Scotmid who support community giving to good causes like ours," said Claire Taylor, Regional Fundraiser at Shelter Scotland. "Our work supports people, families and children across Scotland to ensure every single person, regardless of age and situation have the support they require both in the immediate and long-term. In addition, we work tirelessly to keep people in their homes, preventing homelessness and dealing with issues for people affected by bad housing. We want a Scotland where a safe and permanent home is a right not a privilege.”
Lynne Ogg, North Communities Manager at Scotmid, said: “Winter can be tough for many people, especially for those who rely on foodbanks or who may be struggling with homelessness. It is important for us to support the causes that directly help people in these difficult circumstances across our local communities. We hope the funding has helped to make winter a little easier for people across Scotland.”
David, Shelter Time for Change Peer, once personally affected by homelessness, now uses his experience of the impact of unsuitable temporary accommodation to help others:
“As the months went by in the noisy hostel with no peace or privacy and no hope of a home, I was getting low," he explained. "A friend recommended I get advice from Shelter Scotland. I remember when the Shelter adviser called to say that I was on a waiting list for a social home. I think that call saved my life. Just six weeks later, I was offered my own place.”
