ALMOST 70 vulnerable families are to be given a Christmas to remember after a crowdfunder brought in double its target.
The National told of Reverend Brian Casey’s bid to bring Christmas to families living below the breadline in his Glasgow parish.
The £2000 target was reached and surpassed, reaching twice that goal.
Now he is preparing to host a massive Christmas Eve party for 70 families, who will also each receive a £50 Tesco voucher.
It is hoped that the gifts will allow recipients, including asylum seekers, to purchase food and decorations for their homes. The Church of Scotland has called for action on both asylum and immigration rules and Universal Credit to ease hardship in this parish and others.
Casey, of Springburn Parish Church, said: “My congregation and I are very grateful to all the generous people who donated money to ensure that disadvantaged families in the parish get some Christmas cheer.
“I have been the minister here for four years and during that time I have witnessed first-hand the impact of austerity, benefit sanctions and a hostile environment for refugees and asylum seekers.
“It has been heartbreaking.
“So our event is tinged with sadness because it shines a light on the number of people locally who are feeling desperate at this time of year.
“We are delighted that we can offer some help but acutely aware that whatever we do will never be enough.”
Around 50 presents have also been donated by Rev Neil Galbraith of Cathcart Old Parish Church in the south side of the city.
Those items were left over from a separate Christmas event.
Local MSP Bob Doris described the Christmas support for families as “inspirational”.
He added: “The warmth and love shown by Rev Brian Casey and the local church to support those most in need has been inspirational. So has the response to the call for donations. Congregations in my constituency often provide real leadership in making those most vulnerable feel welcome and offer support.
“That has certainly been the case in Springburn.
“I wish everyone involved a happy and peaceful Christmas.”
And MP Paul Sweeney said: “I feel outrage that our welfare system has been so damaged by the action of austerity that such measures are needed at all to help those in crisis.
“But it speaks to the compassion of our community that they are willing to make this effort.”
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