Keith business owner donates turkeys to those in need for Christmas
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A KEITH business owner has donated turkeys to those in need this Christmas.
Rebekah Stott, who owns I.G. Thomson butchers, donated three turkeys with all the trimmings to those in need over the festive period.
Having taken over the business in November last year, Rebekah said that it was important to give something back after a successful year in charge.
"I've just always thought that it's important to support the community that supports you," Rebekah said.
"I'm a big believer in that, and I know how difficult things are for a lot of families this Christmas.
"People have lost their jobs and prices are rising so I just thought that this would be a nice thing to do because I own a business but there are many people who aren't in that type of position."
Rebekah had initially offered to donate one turkey to a family in need in a public Facebook post.
However, she decided to donate three turkeys after being inundated with requests on her first post.
One family to benefit was Raymond Miller, his partner Karen McPhail and son Liam, who lost everything to an Elgin house fire two months ago.
"The family came out of that with just their pyjamas basically," Rebekah said.
"I phoned them to say that I had picked them because I read what had happened and it made me sob my heart out."
The family have been 'overwhelmed' with the generosity of strangers after the community rallied round them following the fire.
And Rebekah's kind gesture has helped the family get into the Christmas spirit at a time when missing home was hitting them harder than ever.
"We've been struggling and Christmas has made it harder," Raymond said.
"Obviously we had all of our Christmas decorations in our spare room and personalised ornaments for the tree.
"It really is missing simple things like that that get you going a little bit.
"But I can't thank Rebekah enough because it's going to help us make the best out of a bad situation.
"I just get emotional thinking about what people have been doing for us. It's brilliant."
Rebekah has also donated a turkey to The Ploo in Keith which held a soup and sweet event on Christmas eve for the community.
"They're doing something for the community so I thought I should donate a turkey to them," Rebekah said.
"I made that into turkey broth and turkey sandwiches."
Rebekah donated the third and final turkey to a family who want to remain anonymous.
However, she insists her work isn't done yet with plans to make a similar donation for New Year already in place.
"I'm going to be doing something a little different for New Year," Rebekah added.
"I'm going to be donating a steak pie with all the extras for that."
