A CHARITY who aim to provide a memorable Christmas for children less fortunate in Ayrshire have been given an extra boost thanks to football star Kris Boyd.
The Night Before Christmas Campaign were paid a visit by the former Scotland international and Rangers star last week as he dropped off an amazing donation.
The ex-striker entered the charities brand new ‘Narnia hub’, a winter wonderland which was transformed from a cannabis cultivation above the community space Tsukure Hub.
Kris, who new works as a football pundit for Sky Sports, was introduced to the charity thanks to his mum Maureen, who is a long time supporter of their work and donates hundreds of gift boxes each year.
Jodie McFarlane, who set up the charity, has told how a chance meeting with Maureen in Lidl car park led her to becoming one of the their most important helpers.
She told the Advertiser: “I helped her with some shopping outside a Lidl’s discount store whilst we were getting some stuff for the charity.
“She told me she sends Blythswood boxes away each year, then when I told her what we did for kids locally she wanted to get involved.
“She is like Mrs Claus; she really is a wee gem. It’s amazing to think all this came from a chance meeting in a car park.”
Each year, the charity work with other organisations to reach out to local kids from families who are struggling or vulnerable.
They aim to provide a Christmas Eve box which is full of toys, hot chocolate or pyjamas so a child has something to open and can be excited about Christmas.
This year the charity aims to ‘Save Christmas’ after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is felt in communities.
And they have been overwhelmed by the donations given to them by Kris and Maureen which has given them the perfect start to
this year’s charity appeal.
Jodie added: “Kris has really helped his mum out this year, which meant she could get even more donations.
“It’s filled our hub. It’s amazing and such a great start for us after launching this year’s appeal.
“You always worry you won’t get enough donations, this year even more so when everyone is struggling.”
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