Tree-mendous support for Christmas initiative

Scottish politicians gathered at Holyrood to show their support for Caring Christmas Trees, a social enterprise which supports the work of homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust.

Caring Christmas Trees are available 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.

Shoppers can buy a Grade One Nordman fir tree priced from £35 and sustainably grown in Scotland and the funds support the charity’s emergency Care Shelter and other winter work.

Bethany’s Care Shelter is currently based at Gorgie Parish Church in Edinburgh and provides a hot meal and a safe place to sleep for those with nowhere to go during the coldest months of the year.

Kevin Downie, project co-ordinator at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “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 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: “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.”