Glasgow charity needs your help this Christmas - here's how you can be a child's Secret Santa

A Glasgow charity who keeps the spirit of Christmas alive for thousands of children across Glasgow and afar need your help.

Ten years ago mindfulness teacher Julie Griffins founded Cultivating Mindfulness which is a charity supporting 12 to 25 year-old's with their mental wellbeing from January to October, before they launch their Glasgow's Spirit of Christmas campaign from October to December.

The campaign, in partnership with fellow charities, local businesses and donors, supports children in need by dispatching Christmas gifts to thousands of 0-16-year-old's living in hardship or poverty across the city and surrounding areas. Julie believes her campaign message from ten years ago "still stands for many children today".

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"Imagine waking up as a child on Christmas Day to no toys, gifts or a hot meal. Every child deserves gifts on Christmas Day no matter what their circumstances are. Now imagine that your generosity has turned that sad face into a bright happy excited child on Christmas morning. Giving is the true spirit of Christmas! Can you donate just one gift made with love?"

Since launching in 2014 the campaign has "protected the magic and spirit of Christmas" for over 122,000 children with over 915,000 toys and gifts totalling an incredible retail value of £4,541,000. This year, Julie and her team of volunteers are asking for your help.

Speaking to Glasgow Live, she said: "We're looking to support around 18,000 children this year, having distributed gifts to around 19,500 last year. But this could be more or less as we still have referrals coming in now - if we continue to keep on track with donations we are able to accept more referrals, it all depends on this".

Julie expressed how important donations truly are to make Christmas dreams come true.

The 57-year-old described it as being someone's 'Secret Santa', and wants each child to have a meaningful gift to open on the morning of December 25 - "we want to protect and make sure every child is included at Christmas and has a wonderful magical experience. You and your family can become a Secret Santa to a local child in need this festive season. No-one can imagine waking up as a child on Christmas Day to no presents."

As of now (November 13), the campaign has reached 9,000 children this year with a further 9,000 hoping for a visit from Santa - Julie confirmed these figures exclude those on the waiting list - showing how in demand Glasgow's Spirit of Christmas really is.

To make a gift pledge please click here, cash donations are also welcome here.

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