Cash for presents has been donated to Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas Appeal, with food parcels and toiletries donated to CFINE (Community Foods Initiative North East). Both charities support disadvantaged people and families in the North-east.

Staff raised the money as part of their festive fancy dress day and the toiletries and food were purchased with GHA’s Sainsbury’s Nectar points.

In GHA’s Elgin office staff donated toys to The Northern Scot appeal and tenants in need in Moray, instead of organising secret Santa gifts for employees.

The Association also encouraged staff to volunteer for charity with 18 employees sacrificing their time to sort donations of groceries and make up food parcels for CFINE, as well as helping at charity Instant Neighbour’s Giving Tree appeal, enabling new toys to be distributed to children across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire who would not otherwise receive a gift at Christmas.

Sandra MacIntyre, communications co-ordinator at Grampian Housing Association, said: “Staff were really enthusiastic about supporting these appeals. Our tenants who receive gifts are very appreciative of the help provided by the Cash for Kids and Giving Tree toy appeals. It alleviates some of the financial strain at this time of year, meaning they can enjoy watching their children having fun on Christmas Day.

“Our most vulnerable tenants also benefit from the valuable services provided by CFINE and it is great to be able to support their work in this way.”

With more than 3,500 homes under management and a turnover of £16 million, Grampian Housing Association is a leading provider of housing and related services across the three local authority areas in the North-east of Scotland.