One of the difficult things that face charities in January is the fact that after the big and exciting build up to Christmas, there seems to be a bit of a lull.

However, 2021 has started off in a very different way to previous years, the requests for help and support just keep coming in, people are in real need.

After reflecting on the big increase in demand for food hampers we suddenly realised that do many working people are on furlough and receiving only 80% of their income, whilst facing 100% of their outgoings.

The relentless pressure on many families is a huge burden, and many are turning to charities like Spirit Aid for support, it must be disconcerting for parents looking to the New Year with such uncertainty and fear for the future.

It is only the first week in January, yet we at Spirit Aid have delivered more food hampers in this period than in any previous year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the Festive Season there has been no let up in the food and financial donations that we have received to sustain the support we deliver, it may be that Scots appreciate how tough things are and have been inspired to do more than ever before to help others.

This month and many more in the near future will be a challenging time for Spirit Aid and those who look to us for support, but incredible as it might sound, we are optimistic!

We look forward to the vaccines freeing people from lockdown and creating opportunities for supporters to take part in the Kiltwalk, the Spirit Aid Golf Day and many more exciting fundraising events.

We know that the people of Scotland have a great caring and proactive approach to life and let’s look forward to walking the walk together to support those in our communities who need our help.

In the meantime, we will continue to be active and transparent in our communities about the work we do, we continue to promise that we will spend a minimum of 90p in every £1 we raise on the those in need.

Happy New Year and here’s to a brighter future for all of us.

Patrick Rolink

Spirit Aid