St Giles' annual Advent appeal to support the most vulnerable

During the run-up to Christmas, the ninth Advent appeal at St Giles' Cathedral will see the congregation raising money to support some of the most vulnerable in Edinburgh.

The annual fundraising drive is part of the community outreach carried out by the cathedral's Neighbourhood Group that takes place throughout the year.

Donations will be split between helping two charities, including The Edinburgh Food Project (EFP), which runs seven foodbanks across the city supplying a balanced range of food to clients referred by social services. For 11 years they have provided a lifeline to those experiencing difficulties.

Funds will also go towards The Gateway Project, an initiative for people getting back up on their feet after they have experienced homelessness and been offered a council tenancy.

Working with the Bethany Christian Trust and Fresh Start, they provide new tenants with donated furniture, beds, floor coverings, seating, new microwaves and fridges, and help people to settle into their homes.

Previous years have seen the appeal raise money for Streetwork and the Edinburgh Clothing Store.

During the rest of the year, the Neighbourhood Group of St Giles' assists the EFP by doing deliveries of food to the EFP warehouse, and supplying items of food which are known to be in shortage in the warehouse stock.

Every year, the congregation aims to supply around five tonnes of food, a target which has been hit over the last few years, and makes St Giles' one of the EFP's largest contributors.

Rev Dr George Whyte, interim moderator of St Giles' Cathedral, said: "Whilst St Giles' is known around the world for the 900 years of history contained within its walls this shows that it also has an active Christian community at its heart which continues to play a vital role in the life of Edinburgh.

"Advent should be a time of joyful anticipation yet so many are extremely anxious due to the cost of living crisis. We are delighted that the congregation is able to support the vital work of The Edinburgh Food Project and The Gateway Project in this way.

"It is also a reminder of the wonderful work that our Neighbourhood Group does throughout the year to help others."

If you would like to donate, you can do so by picking up a yellow Neighbourhood Group envelope from St Giles' which can be left on the collecting plate to go to Suzanne Whitehead in the Finance Office.

Or donation by bank transfers can be made to: St Giles' Cathedral, reference Advent Appeal, Sort Code 80-02-24 Account Number
01976128.

Find out more about the Neighbourhood Group at St Giles':

Details of the Christmas services taking place at St Giles' can be found online.