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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Social enterprise donates 1000 gifts to local children

This news post is over 4 years old
 

Total Homes has distributed the presents to community organisations and housing associations.

Hundreds of children will have an extra present under the tree this Christmas thanks to a donation from a social enterprise.

Total Homes Co-operative has given almost 1000 gifts to community organisations and housing associations in Glasgow to hand out to local families and children.

The social enterprise specialises in clearing out houses for re-occupation, helping reuse and recycle items that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Alongside the gift donations, the co-operative is putting on a holiday season sale alongside partners ReConnect Glasgow. Anyone buying a second-hand item from ReConnect’s showroom on Camlachie Street will be able to choose a free gift or homeware item to take home.

Marcus McNeilly, from Total Homes, said: “It’s a testament to the reuse sector and the validity of our work that we’ve managed to save so many items from properties that are not only good enough for reuse routes, but that are good as new and brand new toys that we’re able to donate. Thanks to the housing associations using our services, we’ve not only managed to save all of this from landfill, it’s going to make a difference to families across Glasgow this Christmas.

“For most of us Christmas is a great time of year, but it can also be incredibly wasteful. By donating these items to those in need, we’re ensuring a happy morning with presents under the tree, as well as saving parents buying new gifts and adding to the huge amount of waste this holiday produces.”

Organisations who have taken delivery of the gifts include Connect Community Trust, Provanhall Housing Association, Queens Cross Housing Association, Cranhill CDT, FUSE, Pavilion Youth Cafe and a local children's home.

Pauline Smith, CEO of Connect Community Trust and ReConnect Glasgow, said: “We really can’t thank Total Homes enough for allowing us to promote a second-hand Christmas this way. Not only through donating free gifts to us, but by encouraging folks to shop at ReConnect this holiday season.

“By receiving a free item with any purchase, it means we’re reusing twice as much as we would have otherwise. Everything in our showroom will be half price so there’s a huge incentive there. It means the world that people would choose us over their local high street furniture chain.”