In a heart-warming show of generosity, Enhance Healthcare’s Arran View Home has received an unprecedented level of support for its annual Giving Tree Project.
The initiative, now in its 15th year, ensures that children across North Ayrshire who might otherwise go without have something special to unwrap this Christmas.
This year, the project received substantial donations from local and national organisations, including Clothing for Work,Caledonian Office Products and Spearhead Healthcare, alongside countless contributions from the incredible staff at Arran View and members of the local community.
The donations, described as the largest ever received by the project, will enable the creation of age-appropriate gift bags filled with toys, books, clothes, sweets, and treats, valued at approximately £40-£50 each.
These efforts will make a significant impact in helping meet the needs of 672 children identified through local foodbanks, schools, and churches as being in need of support this year.
The Giving Tree Project was co-founded over 15 years ago by Arran View’s own Activities Coordinator, Lee-Ann Millar, alongside Carol Boyd from the Ayrshire Community Trust.
The project invites community members to pick a tag from a Christmas tree, each representing a child’s age and gender, then purchase and return gifts to donation points where they are sorted and wrapped by Lee-Ann, and a dedicated team of office elves.
“There were so many children going without at Christmas, and we decided we had to do something to help,” said Lee-Ann.
Since its inception, the Giving Tree has grown tremendously, with trees now placed in schools, churches, businesses, and community spaces across North Ayrshire. Last year alone, the project provided 636 children with gift bags worth an estimated total of £30,000.
This year, the Giving Tree Appeal is being supported by local organisations including Saltcoats Link Up, Random Acts of Kindness, and the Argyle Community Centre Saltcoats, who have been instrumental in driving the initiative’s success.
Businesses, community groups, and individuals are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own Giving Tree or contributing to the appeal. The process is simple: choose a tag, purchase a gift, and return it to a donation point to help make a child’s Christmas magical.
“I would like to thank Enhance for allowing me to have the tree here at Arran View, as well as Manager Kerry and the entire admin team for their incredible support,” said Lee-Ann.
“The generosity shown by local businesses and residents is truly heart-warming and makes such a difference in a young person’s life.”
Enhance Healthcare and Arran View extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Giving Tree Project. Through the kindness and dedication of the North Ayrshire community and beyond, the initiative continues to bring hope and joy to local families during the festive season.
A special acknowledgment goes to Lee-Ann Millar, whose tireless efforts, unmatched dedication, and inspiring vision have been the driving force behind this incredible initiative. Her commitment shines through in every endeavour, whether in her role with Enhance as Activities Coordinator or as a volunteer in her spare time and we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have her as part of out team. Thank you.
For those wishing to contribute or learn more, contact Enhance Healthcare’s Arran View Home to find out how you can make a difference.
