Generous businesses and residents across Airdrie & Shotts stepped up in numbers to support their MP’s advent calendar appeal – with 1100 seasonal treats being handed out to help local youngsters count down to Christmas.
Constituency representative Anum Qaisar says she is “overwhelmed” by the response after asking for donations of advent calendars to be distributed via four local good causes to spread some festive cheer, as families meet the escalating challenges of the cost of living crisis.
Volunteers from Diamonds in the Community, Airdrie foodbank and Shotts-based Paul’s Parcels handed out hundreds of calendars to the youngsters using their services, and those from Airdrie community school uniform bank jumped into action to deliver more of the advent treats to schools, nurseries and health visitors.
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Ms Qaisar collected boxes of donated calendars from supermarkets including Tesco in Airdrie and Asda in Newmains, while the staff of McDonalds in Airdrie also supported the collection drive.
The MP praised the “generosity of the community, businesses and organisations who came together to help make this appeal such a success”, telling Lanarkshire Live: “I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to all involved; it wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration between myself, supermarket managers and community champions and the local organisations.
“More than 1000 children of all ages across Airdrie & Shotts now have an advent calendar to open each day as we approach Christmas, and I hope that this will provide some joy and happiness in what I know may be a stressful time for their households.”
She praised the “tireless” work of the four good causes – who told last month of the increased demand for their services as a result of the soaring day-to-day costs for householders ranging from food to fuel – saying they “deliver a lifeline to constituents”.
Ms Qaisar added: “The cost of living crisis is having a profound impact on so many households across the constituency, and organisations such as these continue to provide essential services for the most vulnerable.
“The festive period is a time for the community coming together, and the sheer generosity and kindness reflected through this appeal reminds us of what Christmas is all about; I hope this has put some of the joy and happiness back into what may be a difficult festive period for families.”
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