Staff at Langstane Housing Association have been given the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a Christmas donation in lieu of sending traditional cards.

The successful charity this year is Moray Fresh Start based in Elgin.

Moray Fresh Start provides starter packs to many new tenants leaving homeless accommodation. The packs include bedding, curtains, dishcloths, toaster, kettle, cutlery, right down to cleaning materials, all the things that are needed when a new tenancy starts to make the property a home, but perhaps the things that those in a new tenancy cannot easily afford at a time when there are considerable pressures on their finances.

Mrs Mary Nelson, convenor of Moray Fresh Start, said: “How delighted we were to know we will benefit from Langstane Housing Association’s decision not to send traditional Christmas cards in 2016. £300 will help us to buy the items that have to be new for our clients who are moving into new tenancies.”

Helen Gauld, chief executive at Langstane Housing Association, added: “Again in 2016 we received a number of nominations from staff that are all worthy of support. It is disappointing that we have to pick only one. However, we are delighted that Moray Fresh Start were chosen. They provide an essential service to tenants who are just starting out.”