A wide range of #GivingSomethingBack activities were carried out in December by Caledonia staff who also took part in the organisation’s volunteer day, where staff have a day off each year to support charitable causes.

A total of £900 was made to three separate staff endorsed charities including Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, Cancer Research and Alzheimer’s Scotland. The annual Caledonia staff conference actively promoted and featured a sustainability swap shop and donation station, which resulted in multiple bags of winter clothing being donated to Shelter to support people in need.

Festive foodbanks and toy donation stations were set up by staff in the main offices in Perth, Dundee and Renton. In lieu of ‘Secret Santa’ gifts, Caledonia staff supported and used their volunteer day to work with Togs for Tots, a children’s charity and clothing bank within Dundee and the surrounding areas, to provide essential clothing for children. Meanwhile staff in the Caledonia Strategy and Improvement Team used their volunteer day to support Tay FM’s Mission Christmas Tayside and Fife Toy Appeal. Staff also worked alongside Campion Homes to provide donations to Perth and Kinross Foodbank as part of their ’12 Days of Giving’ campaign.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive at Caledonia Housing Association, said: “We recognise the continuing challenges that people and families face, and unfortunately the festive period can be particularly difficult for many households. These national and local charities make a significant difference and I’m pleased that the Caledonia staff were able to promote and support the important work they do.”

Lori Hughes, project manager, Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “At Perth and Kinross Foodbank we believe individuals, couples, families and communities should live dignified, just, compassionate lives free from insecurity, hardship and distress. We were delighted to benefit from incredibly generous donations leading up to, and throughout the Festive period, including those from Caledonia Housing Association together with Campion Homes.

“As a Foodbank we fulfilled 4,209 referrals for emergency food parcels in 2023, feeding over 8,800 people across the local authority area. Simply put, we would not be able to do what we do, without your support. A huge heartfelt thank you from our staff and volunteer team.”

Susan Jackson, joint managing director at Campion Homes, said: “Once again we were very happy to support the Perth and Kinross Foodbank, in partnership with Caledonia Housing Association, as part of Campion Homes annual ‘12 days of Giving’ campaign. We recognise the importance of supporting community initiatives in these challenging economic times and every year we commit to supporting 12 local causes throughout our operating region.”