Ross man inspired by 'amazing experience' gets stuck in to Blythswood shoe box drive
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A ROSS-SHIRE man who has seen first hand the difference small gifts given to strangers facing huge challenges in their lives make has returned to lend a hand close to his heart.
Douglas Holland (23), who lives in Strathpeffer, will be working with Blythswood Care at its depot near Evanton over the festive period at what is one of the busiest times of the year for the Christian charity.
Mr Holland, a former pupil of Strathpeffer Primary School and Dingwall Academy, has just graduated from the West Highland College UHI in Fort William in adventure tourism.
He is now pitching in to help the work of the charity's annual shoebox appeal, which has provided hundreds of thousands of small gifts to people facing hardships across Europe.
He said: “I have supported the work of this amazing charity for a long time now. Back in 2014, as part of a summer camp group from Dingwall Free Church, led by Blythswood Care, I went out to Moldova as a children's camp leader.
"It was an amazing experience to be part of the team and witness the efforts which the organisation makes to support and encourage the people living in such poor and deprived communities.”
The shoebox appeal is well under way now with supporters dropping off boxes on a daily basis. Blythswood is looking for volunteers to help sort the boxes. Anyone who wishes to offer some time to help is encouraged to contact Michelle Livingstone on 01349 830777 or 07880 196903 or via email to michelle.livingstone@blythswood.org
Donations of filled shoeboxes can be dropped off any Blythswood shop or taken to the Deephaven Evanton depot. The charity will also welcome donations of items to be added to shoeboxes.
A checklist can be found on the Blythswood website www.blythswood.org
