A CHILDREN’S charity who have set up shop in an ex-cannabis farm have launched an urgent appeal for handy workers as they set to deliver a memorable Christmas in the toughest of years.

It may only be August but for ‘The Night Before Christmas’ planning is essential this year as they move into their new High Street unit as part of the Tsukure Hub.

The charity provides local kids from the most difficult and poorest backgrounds with the chance of having a special Christmas and in the year of a devastating pandemic they are more determined than ever.

Ayr Advertiser:

A team of helpers or ‘elves’ have moved into their new base from an old storage unit in the Kyle Centre.

But they are desperately seeking the help of skilled joiners, decorators or even local artists who want to help make their dream a reality.

Jodie McFarlane, 41, who set up the charity five years ago, said: “Our unit in the Kyle Centre wasn’t suitable for the charity. It was a place to store gifts but it was too small and cold for us to work in.

“With coronavirus restrictions coming in we needed somewhere that would have a place for volunteers to social distance and wash their hands.

“Adam and Ewan and Tsukure Hub said we could have a space in here in what used to be a cannabis factory.

“It’s going to be amazing when it’s finished but we need all the help we can get. All our volunteers have put so much effort into it but we could be doing with help from painters, decorators, joiners or even just artists who want to use their own creative spark.”

Ayr Advertiser:

Jodie was inspired to start the charity after her daughter Tygan, then 12, asked her if every child would get a Christmas Eve box – a pack full of treats to open just before the big day. The answer was sadly, no.

The Annbank mum and her daughter realising not every child is as lucky at Christmas time and decided to do something to make a difference.

Jodie told the Advertiser: “My daughter was really saddened by the fact that not every child would get a Christmas Eve box.

Ayr Advertiser:

“She asked if we could start to make boxes for children in the local area so they could feel the same magic at Christmas.

“So me and my mum, Isabella started the small campaign to collect and distributed 90 boxes just weeks before Christmas.”

Last year they delivered a staggering 2,600 boxes, and provided nice clothes for kids to enjoy Christmas parties.

Jodie added: “We were genuinely worried we wouldn’t be able to do anything this year. It was a life saver getting this place. With the way COVID has impacted the economy this year is going to be harder than ever, but we are going to do everything we can to make it the best one yet.”