The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has chosen Oor Wullie to illustrate her official Christmas card this year.Wullie is shown sitting on his famous upturned bucket wearing black dungarees with the First Minister peeking round the side after leaving a present for him.
Anyone who grew up in Scotland over the last fifty odd years can associate Oor Wullie with Christmas as the annual was a regular feature in many Christmas stockings (or in my house pillowcases!).
Peter Davidson drew the illustration and Morris Heggie drafted the accompanying text. The original will be auctioned next year to raise funds for The Archie Foundation, SiMBA, Christine Witcutt Memorial Fund and The Dixon Community.
This is the 80th anniversary year of The Broons and Oor Wullie which first appeared in The Sunday Post in March 1936.
The First Minister said:
“Oor Wullie is a much-loved national treasure, adored by both children and adults across Scotland.
“His witty banter and mischievous character have been keeping people entertained for generations, and the marvellous artwork and timeless storylines mean that everyone recognises a little of themselves in these classic tales.
“I am delighted that on Wullie’s 80th anniversary, Peter and Morris have created a unique illustration for my 2016 Christmas card.
“Christmas is a time when we can all take a moment to slow down and spend time with our family and friends. However I also hope over the next few weeks people can take time to give comfort, companionship and support to those who need it. The charities chosen to benefit from this card are a reminder of the work done by others who do this valuable work all year round.”
- The ARCHIE Foundation supports sick children and their families across the whole of the North of Scotland. They buy specialist equipment, create amazing hospital environments, enhance staff training, buy toys, fund research, provide specialist staff and respond in emergencies.
- SiMBA was founded by a team of dedicated individuals in October 2005 in response to the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to the time of birth. Their goal is to gather timeless memories that help support families through the difficult time.
- Christine Witcutt Memorial Fund is a day-care centre in Sarajevo, for children with complex mental and physical disabilities. The Centre was established as a memorial to Christine Witcutt, who was killed in an Edinburgh Direct Aid convoy delivering aid to the city in 1993.
- The Dixon Community has provided day care to older people across the south side of Glasgow for 44 years. In 1991 they opened their Ethnic Minorities day care centre which is designed to cater for the specific needs of older people from the South Asian Community. The project provides food and health activities which meet cultural and religious requirements.
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