LEAP has been able to deliver Winter Warmer packs to more than 80 of its most vulnerable clients and volunteers thanks to Age Scotland and Celtic FC Foundation.

​

The charity was nominated by Age Scotland to receive the packs from the Foundation because of its work with older people throughout South Lanarkshire and took delivery of 83 precious packs to distribute to people throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang, Hamilton, Uddingston, Blantyre and Bothwell, Strathaven and East Kilbride.

​

Each pack is worth more than £100 and includes a heated throw, a thermal mug, a hat, gloves, scarf, hand warmers, toe warmers, a hot water bottle and a £30 Voucher for Asda.

​

LEAP volunteer co-ordinator Iain English said: “Some of our clients – and our volunteers – are really feeling the pinch this winter given rising prices, especially for power.

​

“We identified those we thought would be most in need and these packs will help them stay a bit warmer during the winter months.”

​

First to receive his pack during the coldest weather before Christmas was John, one of LEAP’s volunteers, who said: “This is fantastic and will be very useful during this cold weather. I am really grateful to everyone.”

​

Ann Yourston, Age Scotland’s Community Development Officer for the area, added: “LEAP has been doing some fantastic work with older people for many years now and their name was first in my thoughts when thinking about who could reach out to support people who need it most this winter.

​

“I know, from talking to the team at LEAP, that these packs will go directly to those people and make a big difference in helping them stay warm.”

​

Age Scotland’s Interim Chief Executive, Michelle Supple agreed saying: “This winter is set to be an especially difficult one for hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland, with the rising cost of living placing households under considerable pressure. Living in cold or damp conditions can have a serious impact on older peoples’ health and wellbeing, and it is vital that they receive the support they need to stay warm and well this winter and beyond.

​

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Celtic FC Foundation on this timely project, and very grateful to LEAP for ensuring these packs are delivered to older people across South Lanarkshire.”

​

The packs are part of Celtic FC Foundation’s Winter Warmer project and the Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “We recognise that help to keep warm is needed more than ever this winter and we are striving to support as many vulnerable people as possible with our  Winter Warmer packs.

​

“We’re delighted to be able to offer Age Scotland and LEAP the opportunity to be involved and to help us get these packs out to the people who need them most.”