A RAFT of Helensburgh and Lomond businesses have pulled together to offer a festive calendar full of surprise gifts and events next month.
The Helensburgh Christmas 2020 initiative, organised by local bakery owner Melanie Andrews, will see a fun filled month of activities in the area during December to help bring some festive cheer at the end of a difficult year.
The mammoth community effort has resulted in a 31-day schedule of giveaways and events, including: a town treasure hunt on December 12; an online Christmas pantomime on December 17; Santa and Mrs Claus travelling through the town on a double-decker bus on December 19; plus prizes ranging from a 24-inch HD ready TV donated by Tesco, a free Christmas tree from Craigend Nursery in Cardross, a free family photo shoot from Life in Focus portraits, the chance to drive a brand new Toyota Rav 4 for a whole weekend for free, 50 secret Santa sacks full of family gifts, an overnight stay at the Rosslea Hall Hotel in Rhu, and much more.
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The idea was devised by Craigard Tearoom owner Melanie earlier this year - and first covered in the Advertiser last month - with initial suggestions including possible midnight store openings and fireball performers in the streets of Helensburgh.
The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to back local businesses and inspire goodwill after a trying time for everyone, and Melanie said she has been overwhelmed by the support received.
“It started with an idea I had when everything was being cancelled in the town due to Covid-19,” she said.
“The annual fireworks display, the traditional Christmas lights switch-on, Hallowe’en, the Winter Festival et cetera et cetera were all cancelled.
“We were being told that winter was going to be hard everywhere you looked and turned, so I decided to put together a calender of socially distanced events and great gifts from the town.
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“The community were overwhelmingly generous and you will see from the calendar just what we have.
“I will also be feeding the elderly and vulnerable with Christmas Day meals this year too, with all the food being provided by Tesco and Morrisons.
“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone but Helensburgh has seen a mammoth community spirit from shopkeepers and local people alike.
“We were told Christmas is cancelled this year - oh no it’s not!”
We’ll have more details on the events in upcoming editions of the Advertiser. For more information, see the Facebook group ‘Helensburgh Christmas 2020’.
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