A north-east charity has been given a boost after a local MSP made a donation using the cash he saved on Christmas cards.
Age Peterhead operates two residential caravans in Fochabers, as well as a nine-seat minibus and a sitter service for Buchan’s elderly community to make use of.
Yesterday the charity was delighted after Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson gave them the £400 he would have spent on sending out cards to local supporters.
He said he would have normally spent the money on having cards delivered, but suggested local good causes within his constituency would make better use of the funds.
He added: “Royal Mail still delivered my close family cards, but with the increase in local SNP membership, my signing arm would be worn out pretty quickly. So I am taking the money it would have cost me to send out these cards and putting it to good causes in Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency.
“Age Peterhead have a long history in the town, being founded in 1968 and have helped down the years with things like lunch clubs and – in the 1970s – coal distribution to OAPs. Now reformed as Age Peterhead and registered as a charity, the organisation provides information services, help with transport and operates two static caravans at Fochabers which are available to the elderly or infirm at attractive weekly rates for short breaks and respite.
“I am delighted to be able to support Age Peterhead in their good works and wish them well in their efforts in 2016.”
The charity, which runs trips to gardens and shopping centres for people without transport, makes use of volunteers who are able to give up their time to help local people.
The organisation’s office is based in Drummer’s Corner in Peterhead.