As part of our commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility, our 2020 focus was on those sleeping rough and struggling families in temporary accommodation, all of whom, we are advised, are also especially vulnerable to the effects of the current COVID-19 virus, with many suffering from pre-existing health conditions, having nowhere to wash their hands, and those put up in shared emergency housing struggling to self-isolate if they need to.
Our strong belief continues that, with the severe impact charities are facing during these difficult times, it is vitally important to ensure donations continue to reach our chosen charities. We are therefore delighted to continue our charitable giving partnership from 2020 with Shelter Scotland, donating a further £5000 to assist their great work. This donation was also made as part of the Kiltwalk, with a number of employees from Shelter Scotland’s Glasgow Hub participating in April this year. This meant that Shelter Scotland benefit from an enhanced donation as this will be topped up by 50% thanks to the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation.
Shelter Scotland strive every day to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through our advice, support and legal services. They campaign relentlessly to achieve their vision of a safe, secure, affordable home for everyone.
Alison Watson, the Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We were so grateful to Hacking & Paterson for their generous donation in 2020, so for them to provide us with another one this year is wonderful.
“The money will ensure that our Glasgow Community Hub can continue to help us be there for as many people as possible. This is vital as there are serious concerns that when the restrictions on evictions are lifted once the pandemic subsides, many more people will struggle with rent arrears and may find their home at risk.
“Our Glasgow Community Hub is based in the city centre with a range of offers for the local community – from housing advice, legal services and our national helpline through to community-focused work helping local communities progress their housing issues and involving people with lived experience of bad housing and homelessness in our work.”
And Ms Watson added: “We have said it before, and we will say it again: Home has never meant more than it does just now when having a good place to live is keeping us all safe in the midst of this pandemic. Make no mistake, Scotland is still in the grip of a housing crisis and we will continue to work every day to help those who are not lucky enough to have a place to call ‘home’.”
