We spend hours finding the perfect presents for our loved ones but how much thought do we give to other people and animals in our community?
The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Highlands and Islands, so this festive season, why not spread the joy a bit further by giving to these worthy causes. And, even better, it may actually serve two purposes – you can give a donation in someone else’s name as their gift.
Click on the headlines to visit the charities’ websites for more information.
Help our four-legged friends at Willows Animal Sanctuary
Willows is the largest equine, farm and domestic animal sanctuary in Scotland and will try to help any animal in distress.
It operates a strict no kill policy and only euthanises an animal on veterinary advice.
They look after over 450 animals including over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, approximately 60 cats and dogs and many reptiles as well as over 200 farm animals and birds.
Unlike larger charities, Willows has no reserves of money and are always desperately short of funds.
They specialise in helping elderly or more vulnerable animals that have already been refused help by well-known large national charities, but they can only continue to help needy animals with your support.
Willows helps many vulnerable people with its animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programme.
The concept of allowing rescued animals to help vulnerable people on the road back to health is very innovative and has been independently evaluated and shown to be highly beneficial.
Follow Willows Animal Sanctuary on Facebook for the latest news.
Declutter your home by donating to Birchwood Highland’s charity shop
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Birchwood Highland supports people experiencing mental ill health throughout the Highlands; providing care at home and housing support in the Lochaber, Inverness, Easter Ross and Caithness regions.
The organisation also provides support via Scotland’s only residential Recovery Centre in Inverness.
Birchwood Highland will be opening its first ever charity shop in early 2018 – located at 70 High Street, Invergordon – and will aim to sell high-quality pre-loved and second-hand goods as well as some new and unused items.
As well as everything you’d expect from a charity shop – and more – this pioneering venture will operate as a social enterprise, not only benefiting customers, but also providing meaningful activity for people the charity supports; through work and volunteer-based experiences.
The charity shop will rely on donations from members of the public, as well as from local businesses, and any items passed on will be gratefully received in the run-up to the shop opening next year. So, before the indulgence of the festivities begin, why not have a clear out and consider donating your pre-loved items to Birchwood Highland?
More information on how to donate can be found on the Birchwood Highland Facebook page.
Get the perfect gift for the bookie in your life with Love Your Library
Struggling to find that extra thoughtful gift for a special someone in your life? Look no further than the range of Love Your Library donation gifts.
This Christmas you can treat a loved one to a very special charitable gift that will inspire a new generation to love their local library.
You will receive a hand-finished gift certificate to give on Christmas Day, an inscription in each book donated and your name on our donor wall of fame in your local library.
Click here to find out more about Love Your Library.
Support creative learning and win tickets to all Eden Court 2018 events
Eden Court’s annual Big Ticket prize draw raises vital funds for the creative activities.
They deliver in schools and communities across the region. Your support could help to run a youth theatre group in Wick or a dance class in Fort William, a performance group for people with additional needs in Inverness or a film making week for young carers.
You will help give thousands of young people the chance to get creative, be inspired and discover their talents.
Eden Court is a registered charity and relies on donations to provide these opportunities.
Make a donation of at least £5 before December 31 and you’ll be entered in the Big Ticket prize draw. The lucky winner will enjoy an amazing year of free entertainment with two free tickets to every show, film and class at Eden Court in 2018.
Click here to enter the prize draw.
Support Ross-shire Women’s Aid and help victims of domestic abuse
Ross-shire Women’s Aid provides information, support and temporary accommodation to women, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse.
They provide services in the Ross-shire, Skye and Lochalsh area, including one to one support by phone, text or in person; group support; information on your rights; advocacy; and safe accommodation.
They will listen in confidence and believe you. You can contact them by phone or arrange to meet a worker at a time and place which is safe for you.
They offer support whether you are still with your partner or if you are ready to leave and they can help you, whatever kind of abuse you are experiencing from your partner.
They will support any women whose partner or ex-partner abuses them regardless of whether their partner is male or female.
Ross-shire Women’s Aid can provide a range of support from a one-off phone call to long-term support.
They listen to you and give you the information you need to make decisions to help make sure you and your children are safe now and in the future. For those who want to leave the team can help find somewhere safe to stay.