GLASGOW families face “going without” this Christmas, according to an East End charity which is handing out special gift cards to help those in need.
PEEK is giving parents and carers a £50 Glasgow Gift Card per child, which can be spent with more than 1200 local businesses.
The Scotland Loves Local vouchers will financially support residents through the festive period.
Emma Hill, head of operations at PEEK, said: “As a charity, we’ve been hugely impacted by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis because our families have been hugely impacted by these events, and they are still really struggling.
“We’ve used supermarket gift vouchers in the past. The beauty of the Glasgow Gift Card is that we’re not limiting choice, and it’s a dignified way to offer support, aligning with our charity values.”
Emma added: “The families we support have choices taken away from them at so many stages in their lives. For us, support that empowers is vital, building trust and showing respect for families.”
PEEK is keen to support local businesses.
“It positively impacts our local economy, and being able to shop locally also reduces the need for families to rely on transport to spend their cards,” said Emma.
“It is better for those with disabilities who can’t easily travel.”
She added: “The card has been super easy for us to use, and will be super easy for our families too to get the things they need this Christmas.
"As stark as it is, without our support and the gift card, families would be going without this Christmas.”
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Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Glasgow Gift Cards are a really effective way of giving Glaswegian families some much-needed additional spending power, especially at this time of year when there’s so many demands and pressures on household incomes."
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