CALEDONIA Housing Association’s staff have been supporting communities this festive season by participating in a range of initiatives.
Foodbank donation stations were set up at Caledonia’s offices in Dundee, Perth, and Renton, while the Caledonia People team used its volunteering day to lend a hand at Dundee and Angus Foodbank. Staff also partnered with Campion Homes as part of its 12 Days of Christmas campaign, focusing on foodbank donations and deliveries.
The Dundee, Angus, and Fife teams bought pyjamas for TOGS, a non-profit organisation helping families struggling to provide essential clothing and equipment for their children.
The Renton team at Cordale Housing Association continued its festive tradition of bringing a little extra joy to the pupils at two local primary schools, St Martin’s and Renton, with 253 children receiving selection boxes.
Staff efforts in Perth extended to supporting the Salvation Army Toy Appeal, with a toy collection designed to bring smiles to children this Christmas.
Tenants joined the festive spirit, with Monifieth retirement scheme residents and Caledonia staff organising collections to donate gifts to the Neonatal Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Staff have also been organising and supporting Christmas parties in Caledonia retirement schemes, bringing tenants together to celebrate the season with food, entertainment, and decorations.
Gemma Connell, neighbourhood officer in Renton, said, “It was a privilege for me to hand deliver the selection boxes to the local primary schools. It is a small token from Cordale at Christmas time which brought many smiles from children. They performed two Christmas songs for us, it was brilliant and a great way to kick start the Christmas spirit.”
Margaret Measures, retirement scheme manager at Monifieth in Angus, added, “This year, our residents decided that instead of Secret Santa they would contribute money to a local charity. We had a choice of four which residents voted for with Neo Natal in Ninewells being selected. We raised over two hundred pounds in total in just over a week and purchased lots of baby clothes. Two of our residents visited the unit to handover the donation to staff and parents of the babies who were very appreciative of the kindness of the Monifieth residents.”
Jenny Speedie, organisational development partner at Caledonia Housing Association highlighted the impact of the volunteering day. “Giving back to the community through our volunteering day with Dundee and Angus Foodbank has been incredibly rewarding. It is always great to hear about the community groups that have been supported by Caledonia staff through our volunteering initiative. It has inspired several colleagues to continue volunteering on an ongoing basis and it is amazing to see how small actions can lead to lasting change.”
Barry Johnstone, director of people and governance at Caledonia Housing Association, said, “The Caledonia staff at this time of year go to significant efforts to support our local communities. From foodbank donations to supporting children and families and organising Christmas parties, their efforts demonstrate our commitment to giving back. It has been another challenging year for many, and I am always appreciative and proud of my colleagues who continually strive to make a difference.”
