Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust Funds Festive Celebration For Care Community

People who experienced the care system in Scotland will come together this December to celebrate the joy of Christmas in a supportive and festive environment hosted by Who Cares? Scotland, thanks to a generous £2,500 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.

As the nation’s only membership organisation dedicated to care experienced individuals, Who Cares? Scotland empowers 4,200 members through advocacy, participation, and educational programmes.

The organisation’s vision is for all care experienced people to enjoy lives filled with equality, respect, and love. Its work is crucial in fostering a sense of community and belonging for people whose formal support systems often end after leaving care.

The donation from the Trust will support Who Cares? Scotland’s annual Care Family Christmas event, held at SWG3 in Glasgow on Christmas Day. This annual gathering offers a safe and joyous space for over 100 people to enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner, fun games, and gifts from Santa.

Additionally, over 2,500 members will receive personalised Christmas parcels, ensuring that no one is left without a special moment on the day.

The event helps combat the isolation many care experienced individuals feel during the festive season, creating a sense of connection and belonging among the 100+ attendees each year. Many of those are returning guests who are otherwise unable to see each other.

One attendee from last year’s event said, "It was brilliant, I loved spending time with people. Loved the quiet space, the guy on the saxophone was really relaxing and the fire was amazing - this space was great."

Lucy Christopher, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, Who Cares? Scotland, thanks the Trust for the donation, saying, “We are so grateful for this wonderful and generous donation of £2500 from Allied Vehicles. Every penny of this donation will be used to ensure care experienced people have a magical Christmas day, including a three-course dinner, fun and games as well as presents from Santa! Our Care Family Christmas is open to everyone and ensures care experienced people have a place to connect and belong at what can be a challenging or lonely time of year for some.”

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, added: "It’s a privilege to support the incredible work of Who Cares? Scotland. Christmas is a time for togetherness, and we’re proud to help support an event where people with experience of the care system can connect, celebrate, and enjoy a special day."