Christmas Message

Among the presents I’ve given to family and friends this Christmas are mosquito nets, condom kits, school dinners and a goat. I hope I haven’t spoiled the surprise – at least they won’t know who’s getting what!

In case you think I’ve finally completely taken leave of my senses I should explain these are all gifts from Oxfam Unwrapped, the Charity’s online gift shop. This Christmas I decided to give the stress of Christmas shopping a miss and get most of our presents from Oxfam. How it works is that the recipient gets a card and fridge magnet explaining what the gift is, but the gift goes directly to someone in the developing world.

Unlike many presents we get, these are both wanted and needed. The people Oxfam work with around the world tell them what would make a real difference to working themselves out of poverty. So far they have sold over 700,000 gifts online and that should go up a lot this Christmas.

I also decided to do something different about cards this year so I made some myself. I am going to make an equivalent donation to Hollybush House by Ayr who are part of the Combat Stress Organisation. Hollybush House looks after veterans with a wide range of mental health issues including those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

So whether you are down on my list for a mosquito net or a home made card, I do wish you all a very Happy Christmas. And my hope is that the New Year brings progress towards peace and stability in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East, and at home harmony between people of different faiths and a spirit of mutual tolerance.