Dingwall Tesco gifts give homeless a little festive cheer
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CHILDREN waking up in homeless accommodation on Christmas morning will have a little something to smile about thanks to big-hearted staff at a Ross supermarket.
For the second year running the Tesco management team in Dingwall gave up their Secret Santa money and staff donated gifts for each child.
Highland Council’s principal housing officer, Derek Manson, and his team were overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff. He added: “Being homeless is challenging for anyone, at any time, and being homeless with children at this time of year can be particularly difficult.
“Despite the concerted efforts of the housing team in Dingwall to permanently rehouse all homeless persons as quickly as possible, inevitably there are families in temporary, but suitable, accommodation over Christmas.
“Yet again we have been staggered at the generosity of the management, staff and community champion, Tom Norton, at Tesco in Dingwall. I would like to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of them for their outstanding support. My housing team will be out delivering these gifts before Christmas, and wishing their clients well during the festive period.”
In Ross-shire 33 children under the age of 16 will be spending Christmas in homeless accommodation.
Tesco community champion, Tom Norton said: “It is incredibly humbling to see how generous all my colleagues are, and for that I cannot thank them enough.”
The local councillors came along to Tesco on Tuesday to help Santa collect the parcels and to thank staff. Cllr Margaret Paterson said: “Christmas is a magical time for children and we can’t thank staff enough for their amazing generosity.”
Cllr Graham Mackenzie added: “It shows the true spirit of Christmas.”
