On 6 November Scottish politicians gathered at Holyrood to show their support for Caring Christmas Trees, a unique social enterprise that has been running for 17 years which supports the work of homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust.
Priced from £35 and sustainably grown in Scotland, shoppers can buy a Grade One Nordman fir tree, and the funds raised will directly support the charity’s emergency Care Shelter and other winter work. Currently located at Gorgie Parish Church in Edinburgh, Bethany’s Care Shelter provides a hot meal and a safe place to sleep for those with nowhere to go during the coldest months of the year.
Caring Christmas Trees, a unique social enterprise that has been running in Scotland for 17 years, are available to purchase online for pick-up at various locations in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife in December. The trees are also available for delivery at the end of November in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Commenting on this year’s CCT programme, Kevin Downie, Project Coordinator at Bethany Christian Trust said: “I am thrilled to see the Caring Christmas Trees initiative is back and even bigger this year with new pick-up sites in East Lothian and Dunfermline. With each year people are becoming more aware of the importance of making ethical purchases and with a Caring Christmas Tree, you are not only buying a beautiful local sustainable Christmas tree, but you are also making a huge difference in someone’s life who is homeless this winter.”
Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “Christmas Trees are such a typical feature of a traditional Christmas and are a common sight in most houses across Scotland. Imagine what Christmas Day must feel like without a warm home, a shared meal, a decorated tree and our loved ones nearby. By purchasing a Caring Christmas Tree you will be opening up your Christmas and giving a lifeline to support families and individuals in need this Winter. Please spread the word of this excellent opportunity.”
Established in 1983, Bethany Christian Trust supports over 7,000 people across Scotland. The charity’s services focus on homelessness prevention as well as alleviating the suffering of people who are already homeless.
