Article Source: The Clydeside Collective
Last Updated: 30 October 2022 12:44
With the cost of living rising ever higher, many of us are scrutinising our spending and cutting back. Frivolous non-essentials are the first things to be struck off the shopping list, and there is a genuine fear this could mean many families will be forced to sacrifice their Christmas in order to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Tuesday 1st November will see The Clydeside Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its three Scottish stores.
Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. All items will be available for anyone to collect at St Enoch Centre, Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird completely free of charge, no questions asked.
The Christmas initiative comes just a month after the launch of The Clydeside Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response, with hundreds of coats donated and collected by locals so far.
The Clydeside Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why she is keen to build on the momentum of the winter coat exchange and go even further to help those who are struggling;
“For many people, 2022 has been a real financial struggle, and buying a Christmas tree and festive food will prove to be too much of a stretch this year. These things aren’t ‘essentials’, and it’s highly likely that for them, Christmas will be yet another casualty of the cost of living crisis. But I believe everyone deserves to have a nice Christmas, and what better way to spread festive cheer than by donating to others and lifting their spirits when they need it most.”
Christmas trees and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Clydeside Collective at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, The Leith Collective at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal, and The Leith Collective at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird during opening hours. It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a much-needed helping hand.
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MOREThe highly anticipated Glasgow Cocktail Festival, a 10-day cocktail extravaganza, is making its debut this Friday, 29th August, celebrating the best of Glasgow mixology!
READ MOREA beloved Victorian school mistress, who has taught and terrified generations of pupils during school visits, is carrying on her lessons through Mackintosh at the Willow's school engagement programme.
READ MOREPeople across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MOREOne of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, will celebrate the visionaries that have helped shape the city into what it is today.
READ MOREGlasgow Life's community touring programme will bring musical, theatrical and interactive shows and events to venues across Glasgow in its upcoming season!
READ MOREThe Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MOREThe Citizens Theatre reopened its doors at the weekend after a 7-year redevelopment welcoming everybody to its Homecoming celebrations.
READ MORECameron House, the iconic five-star resort on the banks of Loch Lomond, has unveiled a £300,000 redesign of its award-winning Cameron Spa.
READ MOREScotland's family favourite and Europe's largest indoor fun fair, the IRN-BRU Carnival, is back for the 2025 season with tickets launching on 28th August at 10am for eager thrill seekers!
READ MOREScottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MOREDon't miss ramped up fun for the whole family at Monster Jam Ramped Up as Glasgow roars to life, back by popular demand!
READ MOREJoanne Clifton, Danny Bayne and Paul Nicholas are the latest additions to the cast of Fawlty Towers - The Play by John Cleese, which comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in January!
READ MOREAldi is inviting charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up to receive regular food donations from its stores.
READ MOREScotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MOREThe shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MOREA Glasgow fitness coach who was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year is set to take on Off the Beatson Track on Sunday, 24th August, with his family by his side.
READ MOREHARIBO UK will open its first ever store in Scotland at Silverburn Glasgow in just three weeks' time, on Tuesday 9th September!
READ MOREScotland's annual celebration of bagpipes, Piping Live!, that had over 30,000 attendances last week, ended on Friday with an impressive evening of folk held in one of the city's most notable venues.
READ MORECult-favourite beauty brand, VIEVE, founded by Glasgow makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, is making a highly anticipated return to Buchanan Galleries this month.
READ MOREThe first 1,000 people to join will receive six months of free access when Shuffle officially launches, along with an exclusive 40% cash reward on the first use of the app.
READ MOREInnis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MOREThe 2025 World Pipe Band Championships concluded in Glasgow on Saturday with last year’s winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, retaining the top title.
READ MOREFrom exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MOREOne of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORESpanish fashion brand Bershka has joined the line up at Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, marking its first Glasgow store and second in Scotland.
READ MOREGlynis Barber as Salome Otterbourne and Bob Barrett as Colonel Race are set to join Mark Hadfield as Hercule Poirot when Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile comes to Glasgow!
READ MOREGlasgow's favourite sky-high bar and restaurant has unveiled a stunning new refurbishment, significantly enhancing the space and debuting one of the city's most exciting new bar concepts.
READ MOREWith six weeks to go until the city’s annual cocktail festival, Glasgow Cocktail Week is raising a glass to its biggest-ever programme, and a brand-new name for 2025.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE