Local Politicians Support Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Derek Mackay MSP and Gavin Newlands MP visited Blythswood Care today to once again show their support for their Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

They were joined by Councillors Cathy McEwan, Jim Paterson and Bill Perrie, who are also supporting this year’s appeal.

Since 1966, Blythswood Care has led a number of appeals to help those in desperate poverty across Europe, Africa and Asia, through filled shoeboxes at Christmas, relief and development aid or social projects for young and old.

Last year 116,576 shoeboxes were delivered to Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. A 10% increase on 2014. All of the shoeboxes are sent out early to ensure they arrive by Christmas. For more information on how you can help please visit: www.blythswood.org/shoebox-appeal

Gavin Newlands MP is encouraging constituents to get involved by filling up and dropping off a shoebox at Blythswood Care, Montrose Avenue, Hillington Industrial Estate by 23rd November 2016.

Gavin Newlands MP said:

“I am delighted to join my SNP colleagues in supporting the Blythswood Care’s Shoebox Appeal. Blythswood Care has a long and proud history in the area and their annual shoebox appeal goes a long way in helping those less fortunate that ourselves.”

Derek Mackay MSP is also encouraging anyone who wants to volunteer to help the organisation sort the shoeboxes to get in touch.

He said:

“With more and more donations, the job of sorting through the shoeboxes becomes bigger every year. I was delighted to be able to give up some of my own spare time to help last year, and would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to contact Blythswood Care on 882 0585.

“I know from my visits over the years, and from helping out last year, the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to help ensure the boxes are shipped out in time for Christmas and I congratulate all the volunteers involved.”

Renfrew South & Gallowhill Councillor Jim Paterson said:

“It is a pleasure to play a small part in such a worthy cause. To find out that last year over 115,000 shoeboxes were donated and distributed is magnificent and a figure which should make the organisers extremely proud.”

Cllr Cathy McEwan added:

“These shoeboxes can bring so much joy to children, teenagers and adults alike. Everyday items that seem so small to us; a new hat and scarf, a toothbrush with some toothpaste, a small toy, some soap; bring great joy to thousands of people who live in desperate poverty.”

Renfrew Cllr Bill Perrie congratulated the organisation by saying:

“My congratulations go out to the organisers at Blythswood. It is amazing that they have been able to bring so much joy to those less fortunate than us for over half a century now.”