Bumper year for Buckie Blythswood festive shoebox campaign
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THE ongoing Covid pandemic has once again failed to dent the response to the Buckie Blythswood shoebox appeal.
It has once again attracted a hugely generous response from the local community, both in terms of boxes collected and cash donated.
Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic on many people’s livelihoods, the local appeal topped last year’s total by 30 or so boxes, with 1441 boxes on their way to bring some festive joy to people in Romania.
Buckie Blythswood organiser George Flett said: “On behalf of the appeal I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s appeal, both those who provided boxes or goods to fill them plus the dedicated team of volunteers who worked very hard to fill boxes.
“I’m delighted that we’re slightly up on last year’s total, especially as many people are still suffering hard times due to the pandemic. It’s been truly amazing. Once again the people of the Buckie area have shown their generosity to those less fortunate than themselves.
“The shoeboxes from Buckie are now ready to be exported to Romania and will go to help some of the poorest people in Europe.
“We had the usual wide range of items to send to a variety of ages.
“In addition to the shoeboxes we collected we were delighted to receive donations amounting to £2750 to help with transport costs to Romania.
"This is also up on last year’s total and does not include the sealed gift envelopes which were handed in to us.”
Mr Flett also voiced the local Blythswood group’s thanks to Buckie Baptist Church for allowing them to use their hall.
Each shoebox is made up with a specific recipient in mind, categorised by both gender and age.
Shoeboxes contain small, non-perishable items such as toiletries, gloves and the like while the ones for children often contain small toys or stationery.
Last year, despite the country being in the depths of the Covid pandemic, a total of 75,218 shoeboxes and drawstring bags were donated from across the UK and sent off to Eastern Europe.
In addition to Romania, Blythswood send boxes and bags to Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine.
Cash donations to help Blythswood to aid communities suffering dire poverty are still welcome.
Transporting a lorry load of shoeboxes to Eastern Europe can cost up to £4000.
For more information on the Christmas shoebox appeal, and to donate, visit the charity's website at https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/
