Local charity Instant Neighbour who are in the final planning stages of their 33rd annual Giving Tree Appeal, have received disappointing news that the space they had planned to use this year for their vital campaign is not available, serving a real blow to the start of the appeal.
For 32 years The Giving Tree has ensured that no child goes without a gift at Christmas. In 1990 the appeal distributed 1,000 gifts in the City, while last year saw 13,500 new gifts being handed out throughout the north-east up north as far as Elgin and south to Stonehaven. This year they expect to distribute the same amount of gifts as last, to children who would otherwise receive no gift at Christmas, the initiative makes a huge difference to young people and their families.
Gifts are generously donated by the public to young people from babies up to 18 years old, and the Giving Tree mission is a huge operational undertaking carried out by Instant Neighbour staff, volunteers, public venues and local businesses including churches, shops and banks which act as collection and drop off points.
Gifts are collected, sorted and wrapped by an army of volunteer elves who need short term space to carry out their good work. It is hoped that someone can donate a commercial business area of up to 5,000 square feet, fairly central to Aberdeen city with goods in/out access, and with basic facilities, heating, kitchen area and toilets.
Sophy Green, Chief Executive of Instant Neighbour said, “we are proud to have delivered The Giving Tree to children for so many years and while we’d not have wanted need to grow, we’re glad that we we’ve been able to help so many children and their families”, she continued “we are hoping that someone with available space can step in and donate a venue for The Giving Tree at this crucial time”.
Instant Neighbour needs the space from Monday, November 13 until Friday, December 22.
If you think you can help or if you know someone who can, please email givingtree@instantneighbour.co.uk as soon as possible.