Plea for shoppers to give a child in the Highlands a gift this Christmas
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Shoppers heading down to Inverness are being invited to help less fortunate children in the region this Christmas.
Eastgate Shopping Centre is hosting the annual Giving Tree organised by the Order of St John.
Now in its 18th year, customers are invited to choose a Christmas card which states the name and age of a child living in Highlands and Islands who, without help, will not receive a Christmas present this year.
Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said the generosity of Eastgate customers year after year never ceased to amaze with the local community donating a staggering 2160 presents of all shapes and sizes last year.
She said this Christmas’s Giving Tree came in a year which had seen unprecedented times, affecting children in so many different ways.
"Christmas is a time of celebration and happiness," she said.
“But unfortunately there are many families who struggle to make ends meet.
"The Giving Tree is a lifeline, sending the message of hope, happiness and giving."
Some changes have been made to comply with Covid-19 guidelines.
The tree is next to the Chisholm Hunter jewellery shop.
Unwrapped presents are to be dropped off at the centre management suite on level five, directly above Ernest Jones, by December 6.
All donated gifts will be distributed via local charities.
"Donors are not to write on the cards and we kindly ask for all presents to be dropped in a particular zone where they will be quarantined for 72 hours," Ms Cuddy said.
