Caithness community praised for true spirit of generosity
Generosity shines through in shoebox appeal
May I, through your columns, take this opportunity to sincerely thank the kind folks of Castletown, surrounding communities, various rural communities, the towns of Wick and Thurso, Thurso Tesco and many generous individuals and families throughout Caithness, Sutherland and beyond for their incredible response to the 2024 Blythswood Shoebox Appeal.
The Blythswood lorries stopped at Castletown and Community Free Church on Thursday, November 7, where organisers were delighted to load 449 shoeboxes, drawstring gift bags and larger boxes onto the lorry, and to hand over a cheque amounting to £500 for transportation costs to Eastern Europe.
From the moment the appeal was launched, folks from near and far, both young and old, responded in hugely generous ways, once again highlighting the kindness of so many who have that extra thought for those less fortunate than us. It was heart-warming to see such a truly marvellous response.
Hand-knitted blankets, jumpers, cardigans, hats, scarves, balaclavas and gloves were received, along with toiletries, socks, underwear, toys, sweets, kitchen utensils, sewing kits, notebooks, pens, tools and many other useful items.
Welcome support also came by way of many folks wrapping shoeboxes for the team, and this was incredibly helpful. The P6/7 class of Castletown Primary School lovingly wrapped 54 boxes, which was very much appreciated.
Along with that, money donations, including our coffee afternoon donations, meant that we could send £500 with the boxes to help get them on their way across Eastern Europe.
To everyone who contributed in any way – thank you so much!
This year again, your contribution will make a vital difference to the lives of recipients in Eastern Europe.
Sincere thanks to our local papers for always being so willing to help raise awareness and highlight the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal from year to year.
Every support given – publicity, box-wrapping, hand-knitted items, shoebox contributions and money towards transportation costs – has helped to make the 2024 Shoebox Appeal a tremendous success, once again.
Now is a good time to begin gathering items for our 2025 Shoeboxes. It’s never too early to start!
Thank you, once again.
Christine Stone
Local Blythswood Shoebox Appeal co-ordinator
Free Church Manse
Castletown
Step forward for children this Christmas
This year marks the fifth annual NSPCC Walk for Children, and we invite everyone to get involved! Since its inception in December 2020, participants across the UK have walked their own 5k routes, raising over £460,000 to support the NSPCC’s vital work.
Typically held on the longest night of the year, this event offers families and friends a chance to come together for a fun, relaxing walk close to Christmas.
The Walk for Children will take place on Sunday, December 8, where participants can choose between a 5km route or a shorter, accessible path at a scenic location near them.
We encourage participants to aim to raise £100 to support the NSPCC’s essential services, including Childline, which offers round-the-clock support to children in need. Whether you join us in person or organise your own walk in your local area, every contribution will help to keep children safe this Christmas.
For more information and to sign up, please visit the NSPCC website.
Arlene Main
NSPCC Scotland fundraising manager
Living with diabetes
Christmas is approaching and it is a busy time with preparations and thinking about extra food. As a charity for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, we know that it can be a difficult time for people with diabetes, especially if it is their first Christmas living with diabetes.
It can be a time of temptation, unpredictable or delayed meals, extra nibbles, excitement and stress, all of which can make managing their diabetes more difficult.
We have just published our free December newsletter and we also have a free booklet, Diabetes at Christmas, to help families who live with the condition. This booklet gives various options for Christmas dinners, a recipe for homemade, lower carbohydrate and calorie Christmas pudding and many other tips.
We also have two booklets which may be useful, Diet and Diabetes and Diabetes – Everyday Eating. We hope that the newsletter and these booklets will help to make life easier over the festive season.
All our booklets are free and we are happy to send out these to any of your readers if they could contact IDDT on 01604 622837 or email enquiries@iddtinternational.org
Jenny Hirst
Co-chair, InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT)
Northampton
ONLINE VIEWS
‘Only one doctor left in Wick’ – MP Jamie Stone fears for future after news of National Insurance increase
Well said Jamie Stone. The people north of Inverness are the forgotten people. The governments bury their heads and ignore us. But we won’t go away.
Andrew Bailey
Dunbeath
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