This Christmas families in Scotland need your help

Clare Simpson, Parenting across Scotland

It’s been the weirdest of all years, the strangest of times. And just to finish it off we’re going to do something we never normally do. We’re asking any of you who can to consider making a donation to families this Christmas.

PAS is not a fundraising organisation but we’ve been hearing from PAS member organisations about the dreadful hardships families throughout Scotland are facing, not just at Christmas but on a daily basis. It’s not right that families in Scotland should be facing this at any time but it’s even worse at Christmas when we’re all surrounded by advertising promising us plenty – food, presents and the magic of Santa. For too many, the advertising is very far from the reality.

Even before the pandemic many families were living in poverty through no fault of their own. The pandemic has meant yet more families losing their jobs and being swept away by a relentless tide of poverty. Food bank use is at an all time high, with some parents turning up at food banks not having eaten for days so that they can put food on the table for their children. Paying bills, including fuel bills, is a major problem, making it hard for families to keep their houses warm.

The families that the PAS member organisations are working with aren’t asking for luxuries; they’re asking for the most basic of human needs – putting food on the table, paying bills etc. It shouldn’t be like this, but unfortunately this Christmas it is. We’d like to ensure that parents can give some Christmas cheer to their families this year as well as meeting their basic needs.

So if you and your family have enough to enjoy this Christmas, please consider sharing your good fortune with other families to ensure that all families in Scotland can enjoy Christmas this year.

How to help 

Below are links to PAS member organisations who have appeals to help families this Christmas with all the proceeds going directly to families.

Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has been providing assistance to families in need throughout the crisis. This is their Christmas appeal https://www.aberlour.org.uk/surviving-winter-appeal-sues-story/

Single parents are among those in most need and most affected by poverty. One Parent Families Scotland has been providing single parents with help throughout. This is their Christmas appeal. https://opfs.org.uk/christmas-appeal/

Families who have a family member in prison are often forgotten but are in need of help; Families Outside provide that help. This is their Christmas appeal. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/festive-fundraiser-2020.

Families who have a loved one who struggles with alcohol or drugs problems also need help. Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs have this Christmas appeal. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/routes

Thank you for your help.

Wishing you all a very merry and restful Christmas in whichever way you choose to spend it and all best wishes for a better 2021.