Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown thanks Kirkcaldy for helping charity

Gordon Brown. Pic: By Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.

Mr Brown said he has been extremely impressed with the level of support for the Cottage Family Centre’s Christmas Appeal despite the unprecedented year 2020 has been for many.

He said: “Everyone has experienced change this year and the Cottage is no different, but thanks to the generosity and commitment from all sections of the community from businesses to local people young and old, children and families in poverty have continued to receive vital support.”

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This year has seen increased demand for the Cottage’s services as well as higher requests for crisis support from families who are living in poverty.

In the last year, through projects and programmes, the Cottage supported around 3000 children and families.

Additionally, since April this year, the Cottage delivered 17,100 lunches to vulnerable children in the area and 2,762 food packages to support households for a week.

This increased demand has also carried through to the Cottage’s Christmas Appeal too.

Mr Brown added: “Due to the unprecedented year 2020 has been, over 1500 referrals to help children and their families living in poverty have been received, despite stricter criteria implemented.

“The Cottage would not have been able to meet this increased demand without the generosity we have seen and I wanted to personally thank everyone who has taken the time to be a part of the Appeal.

“Communities are at their best when they are working together to make sure everyone is supported. No matter how big or small, every act of kindness has made a difference.

“The wealth of generosity, donations and support received will mean no child will go without this Christmas. That is something we should all be proud of, especially so this year.”

You can also get involved and make sure that no child or family is hungry, cold or without any presents this Christmas in other ways too.

The Cottage needs donations for families and children aged 0 to 16 of new clothing, pyjamas, new toys, toiletries, non-perishable food items and baby milk. Unfortunately, loved, second-hand items can’t be accepted for health and safety reasons.

Donations can be dropped off directly to: The Cottage Family Centre, 29-31 Cawdor Crescent Kirkcaldy, KY2 6LH or The Cottage Family Centre, 34 St Clair St, Kirkcaldy KY1 2QE until 5pm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

Donations can be made via bank transfer using Cot Xmas App as a reference: Sort Code 80-16-84, Account Number 06006462.

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