It’s been a busy year at Kibble and the last few weeks have certainly been no exception. Children, young people and staff have brought Christmas to life with their incredible performances, fayres, charity collections and overwhelming kindness.
Across our services, young people have gone the extra mile to make Christmas
a little easier for those who need a helping hand. Over a thousand pounds has
been raised for several worthwhile causes close to the children’s hearts. Both
their generosity and incredible talents have made us so proud, given us lots of
laughter, and have led to many special memories being made.
The festive season got into full swing with a cast of performers in search of
the Emerald City as school pupils brought The Wizard of Oz to the stage. There
were ruby slippers, a cowardly lion, tin man, a cackling witch, flying monkeys
and beautiful rainbows as they embarked on their journey to Oz. The applause
said it all and the talent and confidence shown was remarkable. This was
supported and nurtured by education staff who went above and beyond to ensure
the pupils had a great experience, not to mention audiences.
The performances didn’t stop there as pupils from Forest View, our therapeutic
primary school performed their Christmas nativity, The Sleepy Shepherd. After
weeks of rehearsals and learning of songs and lines, our little shepherds,
narrators, kings, angels… and not forgetting Mary and Joseph, made us all proud.
Even miniature pony Josephine made her stage debut as the donkey in the stable.
After the bows, pupils invited the audience to a Christmas Fayre with beautiful
handmade gifts and treats created as part of their social enterprise project.
An incredible £136 was raised which will be divided between Guide Dogs for The
Blind and the Renfrewshire Toy Bank.
Both the Safe Centre and residential care house Wallace were converted into
Winter Wonderlands as they held their Christmas fayres. The Safe Centre fayre
was a day of festive fun, laughter… and a few ‘ouch’ moments as some of the
boys braved a charity leg wax! There were handmade gifts, tombola, an auction,
nail painting and more. Money is still coming in; however, we’re expecting to
raise over £800 which will be donated to Who Cares? Scotland.
Young people from Wallace got us all in the festive mood with handmade
decorations, home baking and even treats for four legged friends. Their efforts
raised £222 which was used to purchase gifts for children living in poverty.
The gifts were donated to The Forge Shopping Centre’s ‘Giving Tree’ and the
young people enjoyed purchasing the items that will bring a smile to children
on Christmas Day.
In the true spirit of giving, young people have been avidly collecting donations
for the local food bank, and Springburn baby bank from staff across our campus.
There has been huge generosity and the items have now been delivered to each of
the services with the hope of making Christmas a little bit easier for those
that depend on these vital resources.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and there has been so much more great work
across Kibble. At what can be a very difficult and emotional time for many of
the children and young people, the special moments that have been captured in
the days leading up to Christmas become even more poignant. The joy of giving
to others has brought so much joy to each of them and this really is the true
spirit of Christmas.
On behalf of myself and all of us at Kibble, I wish you and your families a
very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020.
Jim Gillespie, CEO
