Teams across the Scotland offices of SGN have come together to support others throughout the community who may struggle during Christmas.
At our Paisley depot, Clodagh Killigrew, Operations Planner, has joined forces with the rest of her colleagues to support the Renfrewshire Food Bank. Clodagh was shocked to see how big the queue at her local foodbank was, and after learning that they were struggling for stock, launched an appeal for donations.
Colleagues rose to the challenge, and more than 30 of them filled several boxes and bags with food and toiletries.
It was very thought-provoking seeing how many people needed support from our local food bank. With our depot being so close, it really brought home to me how difficult things can be this time of year. I am so proud that so many of the team here got involved and gave items – it really will make a huge difference. The lovely volunteers and I are so grateful to everyone who donated
Clodagh Killigrew
Operations Planner, Paisley depot
Also at SGN Paisley, Linzi McMillan and the team have raised £640 for Dumbartonshire Women’s Aid, using it to buy Christmas presents for children in need across the area.
Linzi from our Admin team pointed out the fantastic work of the charity and suggested it would be a worthy cause. We were blown away by the support, with so many people getting behind the drive and kindly donating. We’re so pleased the team could make a significant difference to children who need it this Christmas and I am very proud of the whole team!
Max Robinson
Engineering Manager, SGN Paisley
At our Edinburgh depot, the team decided to forgo receiving a random gift by replacing their secret Santa with a donation to a child in need by supporting the Dunelm Christmas Tree appeal.
The ‘delivering joy initiative’ sees a Christmas tree covered in gift tags, with each tag representing someone in need at Christmas time. The tags have the age, gender and specific gift that they would like, and those who contribute are encouraged to buy the gift and donate it to the appeal.
While I’m sure some of my colleagues found it tough giving up on that secret Santa set of Lynx Africa this Christmas, I know everyone was completely behind the decision to take part in the delivering joy initiative. Having each tag represent an individual really makes you feel connected to that person and resonates with how hard this time of year can be! I’m very proud of the team, and I’m delighted we could do our part this Christmas
Rachael Douglas
Edinburgh depot
Sticking with the festivity theme, colleagues in the city also held an Advent calendar this year, with each day corresponding to an item for the Edinburgh Food Project (EFP). The EFP runs food banks across the whole region and supports countless people in need with hot meals as well as advice and guidance.
Heading it up was Admin Supervisor Courtney Clark
We’ve worked closely with the EFP before, and we know how hard the charity works to support people across Edinburgh. It’s so heartening to see the team rally around a good cause such as this, and I know the Food Project will make sure that many families get that little bit of support they need during a tough time of year
Courtney Clark
Admin Supervisor, Edinburgh depot
While Christmas can be a challenging time for many people, our pets can sometimes be forgotten. That’s why Courtney, in the same office, also wanted to make sure our four-legged friends were supported by working with the Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home.
A lot of people are not aware that food banks exist for pets too. When people are struggling, it can be tough to feed their family, let alone their pets; but having to give up a cat or a dog is not only emotionally tough, it also puts a huge burden on the animal shelters. That’s why pet food banks play a vital role in helping support people and their pets in need.
I’m delighted to say that after putting an initial call out for some cat and dog food, colleagues donated so much that my car was full of pet food, cat and dog beds and boxes of toys! I know these will all go to a good home and help support those often-overlooked family members at Christmas time.
Courtney Clark
Admin Supervisor, Edinburgh depot
