As part of the Association’s social responsibility ethos, staff have participated in a variety of events during its 30th anniversary year and these have culminated in cash and goods to the value over £460 being raised for, and distributed to, good causes in time for Christmas.

Organisations selected by staff this year included St Serfs RC Primary School, High Valleyfield, where staff attended the school nativity performance (dressed as little Elfs) where £174 was raised for school funds; Menstrie House Care Home where staff (in conjunction with Menstrie Community Resilience Group) delivered a Christmas Hamper filled with seasonal treats and The Gate, Alloa, where participating in the charity’s reverse advent calendar saw a variety of basic food and essential household items being handed over.

Also, as an alternative to sending Christmas cards, staff raised £60 and selected Crisis Scotland as the recipient of the Christmas Card donation this year.

George Tainsh, chief executive, said: “Our annual fundraising events throughout the year are always good fun and in addition to providing staff with a short break from the day to day routine gives some fantastic local organisations a little bit of much-needed aid and support.

“As this is entirely voluntary it says much about the understanding of staff about the people and organisations we work with, most of which deal with people considerably less fortunate than ourselves.