A fundraising appeal for local children, young people and families facing hardship this Christmas has raised a “phenomenal” £3,815.

The Provost’s 2022 Christmas Appeal smashed its target of £2,500.

148 people donated amounts ranging from £5 to £200, with every donation appreciated by a grateful Provost Robert Bissett:

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated to the Christmas Appeal this year.

“We have raised a phenomenal amount of money during difficult times, where many of us are facing hardship.

“Your donations will ensure some of Falkirk’s most vulnerable children and families have something nice to look forward to on Christmas Day.”

Fundraiser

With support from Falkirk Council staff, the Provost’s annual festive fundraiser relies on the goodwill of Falkirk Council employees, elected members and people in the local area to help ease seasonal pressures on families in need.

Some colleagues swapped designer coffees for instant coffee and contributed the difference, while others donated in place of the traditional office Secret Santa.

What happens next?

Money raised will pay for a range of gift cards, purchased by Falkirk Council’s Social Work team and distributed to families to help them buy gifts and food over Christmas.

Your support helps local people, like mum Sarah (names have been changed):

“Things have been difficult for me recently and I’ve been in a pretty dark place. Christmas has always been hard for me, but more so this year. 

“Those gifts made my day. It's lovely to know people are thinking of me.”

And parents like Nikki & Paul:

“Our take-home pay isn’t a lot. We do manage to pay the weekly bills leaving us with little to spare. 

"We always worry about birthdays and Christmas.”

The 2022 appeal eclipsed that of last year’s fundraiser, where £2,325 was raised.

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Update 19 December 2022: The figure was changed from £3,675 to £3,815 to reflect a donation beyond the deadline.