A GROUP of volunteers in west Edinburgh have helped provide vital support to more than 100 families experiencing difficulties in the area this Christmas.

Volunteers at the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project have been working to deliver essential items to people facing hardship including food, household items and festive gifts.

The project – which is run by members of the West Edinburgh Community Support Group, a registered Scottish charity – enlisted the help of around 60 volunteers to support the cause, including members of the community and staff from Cala Homes, who are currently building at the nearby West Craigs development.

The housebuilder’s east of Scotland team donated essential goods to the project, while five members of the workforce joined volunteers to pack and deliver donations to local schools earlier this week (Tuesday 19 December 2023).

Cala also covered the cost of hiring a van for two days delivering, aiding volunteers to donate dozens of parcels to those in need in a short space of time.

Tommy McLean, coordinator of the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project, said: “It’s often assumed that everyone who lives in west Edinburgh is from an affluent background, and that it simply not the case.

“There are many families in and around Corstorphine that are struggling, and that’s why it’s so important for our community to come together and help those who are in need of support.

“We are thankful to all those who have given donations and helped deliver them to local households this festive season.

“The addition of a van, which Cala have covered the cost of hiring for two days, also made a huge difference in ensuring essential items can be quickly delivered to a range of different drop-off locations in the area.

“We hope to continue working alongside Cala and other members of our community to reach even more families who may need support in the future.”

Cala’s commitment to supporting the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project and the West Edinburgh Community Support Group forms part of their West Craigs Community Pledge – a bespoke package of activities aimed at addressing the needs of those living in the area.

Philip Hogg, sales and marketing director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Working alongside community groups on projects like this, which truly make a difference to the people who live in the local area, is something we really value.

“Our commitment to supporting the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project and the West Edinburgh Community Support Group is a real testament to this ethos, and we look forward to continuing our work with them in the future.

“We have been working hard on developing a fantastic programme of support for the community of West Edinburgh, and we are excited to provide further updates on this in the coming months.”

To learn more about the West Craigs Community Pledge, visit: www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/west-craigs/community-pledge