Christmas parties bring festive cheer
Families across East Ayrshire were feeling very festive thanks to three wonderful Christmas parties organised by Vibrant Communities Play and Early Intervention team.
48 families, who had been supported by the team throughout the year, gathered for a delicious Christmas dinner, party games, arts and crafts and Santa even managed to take time out of his very busy schedule to visit the parties and make sure each child received a Christmas present.
Councillor Elena Whitham, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “Vibrant Communities Play and Early Intervention team pulled out all the stops to ensure that the families they support had a great time at this Christmas season.
“On their behalf, I would like to thank all the organisations who have given so generously and provided continued support to the team.
“Sincere thanks go to Kilmarnock Masonic Lodge, Dalmellington Scouts and Cumnock Juniors Social Club for providing the party venues. To the Council’s Catering Service, Centrestage and Jonathon Sloane and all the staff from Coffee Mill, Cumnock for supplying the food. To East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action for their help purchasing gifts for the families and to Cash 4 Kids and Hillhouse in Kilmarnock for their support.
“A big thank you to both Tesco Auchinleck Community Champion, Aimee Muggridge and Tesco Kilmarnock Community champion, Senga Campbell who donated to the toy appeal and supplied ice cream, diluting juice and Christmas crackers for the parties. Special thanks also to Stephen Bradford at Bradford Auto’s in Cumnock who provided free storage for the gifts.
“In addition to all this wonderful support and generosity, our communities have displayed warmth and kindness, giving both gifts and their time to local families. Thank you to you all.”
In addition to the wonderful Christmas parties, the Park Hotel also gave a generous donation to Vibrant Communities, which meant that 120 food bags could be given to local families throughout East Ayrshire.
Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Member for Older People and Community Safety was on hand to help the Vibrant Communities team prepare the food bags for distribution. He said: “The Christmas spirit evident throughout East Ayrshire has made me feel proud to be part of such a warm and generous community. Christmas can be a very difficult time for the most vulnerable people in our communities but I have seen so much kindness; people reaching out with donations, giving up their own time or even just offering a kind work can make all the difference.
“I would like to thank the Park Hotel, on behalf of the Council, for their generosity. The food bags will make a real difference to local families this Christmas.”
A representative from the Park Hotel said: “The Park Hotel Kilmarnock is delighted to be working with East Ayrshire Council this Festive season. We are happy to be providing 120 families within East Ayrshire with a food bag.
“The Park Hotel would like to thank its staff, customers and suppliers to enable us to support this worthwhile cause. We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year.”