Christmas Appeal 2012

We know it's only October and that you don't want to hear the word but it's only 10 weeks till Christmas! And it's that time of the year where we need your help!

Christmas can be really tough financially for many families. Each year we help families that are struggling by providing presents, food hampers and credit towards utility bills who would otherwise go without.

Last year we provided 101 families with presents, food and credit for utility bills. Our Christmas party was attended by 106 kids and 71 adults. All the kids received a present from Santa and a hot turkey dinner. Nearly all of that was donated although we still had to go and buy them presents.

This year we really need your help to make sure that we can help as many families as we can in having a happy Christmas. By donating just one gift this would make all the difference!

We depend on your help and donations to make this possible. There's still time to fundraise or even collect those unwanted tins and packets at the back of the cupboard. With your help and support no family will go without this Christmas.

The type of items that go a long way in making a difference are:

• Non perishable food items- to help with winter hampers
• Stocking fillers- for the little extras on Christmas day that make a difference
• Party food- to help make our Christmas Party the best yet
• Wrapping paper/ sellotape/ gift tags- the little things that go a long way
• Gifts for adults (toiletries, perfume, make up) Donations of any kind are always greatly appreciated.
• We also take monetary donations which also goes a long way to help us provide our services at With Kids.
• Toys

All of your donations really do go a long way in helping out families who are in great need, especially at this time of the year so thank you from all of the families and With Kids!

If you know someone who can assist then please contact us on 0141 550 5770 or drop us an email at info@withkids.org.uk

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Happy Campers

Just over a week ago, With Kids packed our bags and headed to Auchengillan Outdoor Centre for a fun-filled weekend of camping, sponsored by the astounding efforts of Andrew Muirhead & Son Ltd.

Colin Wade, the Managing Director of Andrew Muirhead & Son, walked the West Highland Way and raised £7000 for With Kids, which was an amazing response and was mostly raised by staff, family and friends of the company.

To honour that generosity, we were delighted to name the camping trip as sponsored by them.

We hired a cabin out in the woods so people could choose whether to camp or sleep in dorms, and when we arrived at Auchengillan Outdoor Centre on the Friday, we were greeted with sunshine and spectacular views across trees and fields.

Being so isolated meant the kids were free to run around and explore safely, which was ideal as they did a huge amount of running around!

We had 24 kids so there was a lot of excitement and very little sleep on the first night, followed by some very early morning rises on Saturday morning. 

We had some fairly tired grumpy parents, kids and staff on Saturday, but everyone quickly cheered up with activities including climbing, go karts, grass sledges, waterwalkerz and orienteering, as well as a BBQ!

Thankfully, the sun shone throughout, and as everybody had had such an exhausting day, they were all asleep early on Saturday night... hooray!

Many of the families faced new challenges and different experiences, but everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and said how good it had been meeting new people and trying different things.

These are just some of the stand out quotes from the weekend:

"Me and the kids absolutely loved it. We've had a brilliant time."

"It was great meeting new friends and spending quality time with the kids." 

"Watching the kids have fun and having new & scary experiences was great."

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Diane Caron - Making Dreams Come True

Although With Kids is only a small charity based in the east end of Glasgow, the work that we do has resonated with people across the globe.

Thanks to our ambassador, Robert Carlyle's starring role in fairytale drama, Once Upon A Time, a group of his fans decided to get involved and help raise much needed funds. 

One of those fans is American author Diane Caron, who is donating 50% of profits from her book, Clams in Cups: Legends of the Heart to With Kids over the next year.

In the first With Kids' guest blog post, Diane discusses why a charity in Glasgow has captured her heart.

Magic, Dreams and Fairytales

Having had a love of fairytales since childhood, I was drawn to Once Upon a Time from the very beginning.

At a time in my life when I felt there would be no happy endings, it gave me hope that the curse could be broken and that magic in my life was possible again.

I discovered actors I had never seen before and was fascinated by Robert Carlyle’s portrayal of the infamous character of fairytale lore, Rumpelstiltskin.

In my search to learn more about Mr. Carlyle's previous work, I found the interview he had done with With Kids, which captured my heart. His interview was so heartfelt, especially when he spoke about the children and families, and of his father.

I was inspired by his relationship with his father, the love he had for him, the care and sacrifices that were made, and how his father supported him unconditionally and without question in his quest to be an actor.

His father encouraged him to do what was in his heart, which I feel is the key that opens the magic door to the life we are all meant to have.

The interview and With Kids' work resonated with me beyond words. I have always wanted to be involved with organisations that support children and Mr Carlyle’s interview inspired me to move forward to find a way I could help.

After this, I started seeking out information about With Kids, as well as following the Once Upon a Time fan sites, and noticed that people were undertaking various fundraising efforts.

It was then that I decided to donate 50% of all profits from the sale of my book, Clams in Cups: Legends of the Heart, for the next year to With Kids.

One of my dreams is to help children achieve their dreams. And as Mr. Carlyle said in the interview below: 'Don’t ever let anyone take your dreams from you'.

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Diane, we are now inviting our friends, supporters and ambassadors to write guest blog posts for us.

Whether you want to write an article, a poem, or a short story, we want to share your thoughts, opinions, imaginations, dreams and aspirations with our community.

If you would like to write a guest blog post for With Kids, please email s.blair@withkids.co.uk with your ideas and suggestions.

Clams in Cups: Legends of the Heart, is available online at AuthorHouse, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

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With Kids are Having a Ball!

At With Kids, we always make sure some of Glasgow's most disadvantaged and vulnerable children are having the time of their lives, but next month, they really will be having a Ball.

That’s because on Friday 14th of September, we are hosting our second With Kids Autumn Ball and Fashion Show!

Taking place in the luxuriously refurbished Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the evening, organised by fatBuzz Ltd, promises to be a night to remember.

Featuring clothes from Falk&Ross UK Limited, as well as exclusively designed t-shirts made by the children and their families, the children themselves will take to the catwalk to strut their stuff.

Letting the kids take centre stage on the night will undoubtedly help boost their confidence and self-esteem, and subsequently, could really help change their young lives.

April Clark, a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, will be managing production and choreography, while students from Cumbernauld College will be taking care of hair and makeup.

After the fashion show, the party will continue with Michelle McManus and Scotland’s top female tribute band, Feeva.

The event will be hosted by BAFTA award winning actress and With Kids’ Ambassador, Kathleen McDermott Carberry, alongside celebrity designer and television presenter, John Amabile.

Kathleen, who was born and bred in Barlanark in the east end of the city, has previously spoke of her pride in being an Ambassador for With Kids.

She said: “I am extremely proud to be an Ambassador for With Kids because the area in which they work is very close to my heart and it saddens me that so many children living in Glasgow are still in need of the help and support With Kids provide."

This fashion show will not only raise much-needed funds for one of Glasgow's most important charities, but the children will be undertaking something that can empower them in a way that they have never experienced.

A table of ten for the With Kids Autumn Ball and Fashion Show will cost £750 and we’d be delighted if you, your friends and clients could join us for a memorable night of drinks, dinner, fashion, and entertainment.

We are delighted to have a number of category sponsors onboard, but there are still sponsorship opportunities available. If you want to support this event, you can be assured that With Kids have considerable experience of event management and corporate partnerships and will maximise the opportunity for you.

Finally, the With Kids Autumn Ball and Fashion Show promises to be a fantastic event, but we depend on auction prizes to make a healthy amount of money for some of the most vulnerable and excluded children who desperately need the support of With Kids.

For more information on booking details, sponsorship or auction prizes, please contact events@fatbuzz.com.

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End of Summer... means PARTY!

It is nearing the end of With Kids' Summer Programme for another year, and in order to celebrate the fun-filled summer we have had, we are going to throw another End of Summer Party!

Our End of Summer Party is one of the highlights in the With Kids calendar; a time where the kids, families and all of our supporters can relax, enjoy themselves and reflect on the good times we have shared.

And what good times we have had! Even though the sun has been posted missing for the majority of the summer, we have still had an amazing time visiting Glasgow Science Centre, The Riverside Museum, Kelburn Country Park and Edinburgh Dungeons to name but a few.

This year, our End of Summer Party will take place on Friday 3rd August at Reidvale Adventure Play Association, based in the heart of Dennistoun. ‘The RAPA’, as it is affectionately known, promotes 'integrational play' to all children and young people by providing a wide range of accessible play equipment, play activities and play resources both outdoors and indoors at their 'playground'.

Although we have this fantastic venue arranged, we are also looking for help in finding donations for party food supplies such as bread, sandwich fillings, cakes, sweets and crisps.

As a charity, we rely on the kind donations from our friends and supporters, and whether you are a local business or just a friendly neighbour, we would greatly appreciate any additional help.

Any donations, of any kind, will help us and ensure that the party will be as successful as possible. Can you help with party food supplies? Do you know anyone who could help? 

If you can help out in anyway, please contact Suzy by email on s.blair@withkids.org.uk or phone us on 0141 550 5770.

Please visit out website to find out more information on the work that we do to support families and children in the East End of Glasgow. You can also follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook community to keep up to date on all our activities and news.

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Donation from The High School of Glasgow...

WOW it looks like it's not only The Proclaimers that will walk 500 miles!

We received a donation yesterday for £1308.59 from The High School of Glasgow.  Bannerman House (around 170 pupils) “encouraged staff to take part in a “celebrity come dancing” event and do a sponsored walk of 500 miles. Thank You so much for your donation guys!




We really are so grateful for this and the funds will go towards our services here at With Kids. We are always honoured when people take it upon themselves to organise fundraisng events on behalf of With Kids as we rely solely on donations to continue or work here.

If you would like to raise money for With Kids or if you are thinking of we would love to hear from you.Call us on 0141 550 5770 or email Suzy on s.blair@withkids.org.uk



Find out more about what we do, how your donations can help and also more on how to donate by visiting our website. Or you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Torrie Publications donate £500...

Torrie Publications have been a fantastic support to With Kids. Recently Brian Kane visited the office to donate another £500. With our Summer Programme just around the corner this money will be a huge help to providing activities for our families.

Thank you so much to Brian and Torrie Publications for the donation. We rely heavily on donations to keep With Kids running. Without these kind donations our services wouldn't be able to continue and the valuable support that is given to families and vulnerable children in our community would cease to exist. We really are so grateful to Brian and other donators like him for all the support.

If you are interested in finding out more about our services and the work we do here at With Kids check out our recent blog post that highlights our work.

For more information on how to donate please click on this link: DONATE TO WITH KIDS

To find out more about the work we do here at With Kids you can visit our website or you can keep up to date with us on our Facebook and Twitter page.

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What's your problem? - Parents and Carers, We Want You

Come and give us your views on the day to day issues that REALLY affect you and your children's lives. School, community resources, health care, benefits / tax credits - whatever the subject we'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences. We will also try (where possible) to offer practical help on issues that you might not be able to tackle or feel you are able to on your own.

We all find our selves in difficult situations and quite often there are things in and around the area where we live that bother us. No doubt your concerns and issues are the same as those who live in the streets around you and we don't want you to go unheard. That's why we have created our Parents and Carers Group, where we aim to provide a place to discuss the issues that you feel are affecting you.

Come and have your say at our informal chat and we'll even throw in a spot of lunch! For more information on 0141 550 5770. We hope to see you there.


With Kids, 15 Annfield Place, G31 2XE

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Primary Pupils spread Christmas Cheer

Pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School, Milngavie were delighted to play Santa and hand over a sack-load of stocking-filler gifts to charity last week, on Friday, December 2nd.

Children from the school handed in over 50 presents as they visited Santa in his grotto during their fundraising Christmas Fayre last month (Nov 26) to be donated to With Kids.

With Kids works with families and children in the east end of Glasgow, where there are some of the highest levels of poverty in Scotland and the UK. St Joseph’s Primary Acting Head Teacher Ann Rice said:

 “Christmas is a time for giving as well as receiving and the children here have shown great generosity in choosing, wrapping and donating these presents for other children their age who are not as lucky as they are.”

Collecting the gifts Suzie Blair from With Kids said:

“This is an amazing gift will make all the difference for other children who live not so far away on Christmas Day.

“All families can find they have difficulties from time to time and there can often be other factors which mean parents struggle at this time of year. With Kids is there to support the needs of children and parents all year round.”

St Joseph’s Primary PTA Christmas Fayre took place on November 26th and raised £1,800 which will go towards a new interactive whiteboard for the school.

Co-chair of the PTA Emma Whitfield said:

“Not only have the families, parents and carers of St Joseph’s shown great generosity in fundraising for new much need school equipment, but that pupils have shown they are thinking about those who don’t have quite as much as they do as well - which is what Christmas is all about.”

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Creation Station make us their Charity of Choice...

We are delighted to announce that The Creation Station's Scottish franchises have named us their charity of choice. They've already given us some fantastic donations towards our Christmas Appeal which will be invaluable to our families this year.

We'll keep you updated with activities or events that we'll be working on throughout the year. thanks You Creation Station for all your support!


Find out more about The Creation Station at www.creationstation.co.uk.

We are still appealing to anyone who can spare some goods for our Christmas Appeal. Can you spare any non perishable food items or maybe you can arrange a collection amongst your work colleagues? 

If you or someone you know can help then please contact us 0141 550 5770 or info@withkids.org.uk

The type of items that go a long way in making a difference are:

• Non perishable food items- to help with winter parcels
• Stocking fillers- for the little extras on Christmas day that make a difference
• Party food- to help make our Christmas Party the best yet
• Wrapping paper/ sellotape/ gift tags- the little things that go a long way
• Gifts for adults (toiletries, perfume, make up) - Parents often go without so a little something will be hugely appreciated.

Donations of any kind are always greatly appreciated. We also take monetary donations which also goes a long way to help help us provide our services at With Kids.

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Come along to our Race Night at the Courtyard...

The Courtyard Bar are very kindly organising and sponsoring our Charity Race Night on the 23rd November. They are helping us raise funds for Christmas and we would love for you to join us for a great night. We have recently written a post regarding our Christmas Appeal highlighting how vital donations and fundraising is to us at Christmas time.



The Race Night is a welcomed addition to our fundraising efforts to help in the lead up Christmas. This time of year is a tough time financially for many and through fundraising events and kind donations we aim to make sure no family is left with nothing at Christmas.

Join us at The Courtyard Bar, 84 West Nile St. 7.30pm on 23rd November. There will also be live entertainment, Tombola and Raffle Prizes.

If you would like to make a donation or help us with donating anything to our Christmas Appeal, we would love to hear from you. Contact us on 0141 550 5770 or email us on info@withkids.org.uk

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