Blythswood’s support group in Buckie was set up by Eric Smith and a group of friends in 1994.  When Eric passed away in 2009, George Flett stepped forward to make sure that the group continued.  “I had been impressed by Eric’s commitment,” George says.  “By then I was semi-retired and I had the time to do it.”

Thirteen years later there can be no doubt about George’s commitment, too, although he is keen to emphasise that the group’s success is due to the work put in by all its members and to the support shown by the wider community. 

“The Shoe Box Appeal gets good support from local people, from the churches and from schools,” George says.  “Our main sorting week starts on Monday 7 November but already our support group has processed 500 boxes.

“Last year we did 1,400 boxes which was very good considering we were still working under COVID restrictions.  This year we will be able to use more volunteers.”

As well as checking filled boxes the Buckie team make up boxes from donated items.  “In 1994 the group gathered 336 boxes,” George says.  “In 2018 we checked and sorted 1,540.”

If you are interested in joining or starting a Blythswood support group in your area, contact Blythswood’s fundraising team at fundraising@blythswood.org or call 01349 830777.