This season’s beneficiaries are Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal, Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service, and the 16+ Transitions Project for Care Leavers.

As part of its contractor community benefits, SBHA and partners — Jewson Partnership Solutions (East Scotland), Midburn Construction Ltd, Sidey Solutions Ltd, and John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd — plus Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation (SBTO) made cash donations to these charities totalling £2,100, while SBHA staff contributed a thoughtful box of gifts for Cash for Kids, bringing extra joy to the festive season.

Julia Mulloy, chief executive at SBHA said: “At SBHA we are committed to helping young people and their families within the local communities across the Scottish Borders. We have huge admiration for the work of Cash for Kids and are delighted to have been able to make this donation to help brighten up Christmas for young people in the Borders.

“In addition, the challenges facing young people have never been greater, and we greatly admire the work of the Quarriers team and the variety of support and wealth of assistance they provide to our local young people in our secondary schools. We are also delighted to be supporting the 16+ Transitions Project at Albert Place in Galashiels, in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, to ensure that the residents living there enjoy some festive celebrations.”

Jennifer Millar, partnership account manager – east Scotland for Jewson Partnership Solutions, said: “Jewson Partnership Solutions, in partnership with SBHA, is delighted our contribution will help make Christmas more memorable for local families in the Scottish Borders community during such difficult times. People need support more than ever, and the work and commitment shown by all the staff and volunteers at the chosen charities is inspirational and we are more than happy to support.”

Carly Mackenzie, charity manager – Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas, said: “We are delighted to accept this donation from SBHA and partners. This year again has been extremely difficult for so many families and, with almost 1,300 applications from families for Christmas, this incredible donation will go a long way in helping us to ensure that no child wakes up on Christmas Day without a gift. Without donations like these, we would not be able to do the work we do, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Angela Freeman, service co-ordinator, Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service, added: “Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service extends its deepest gratitude to SBHA and partners for their incredibly generous donation. This contribution will go directly towards our annual Christmas Hamper Campaign. Donations like this are essential to enable us to bring a little extra magic to families across the Scottish Borders.”