The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange 2023

Locals urged to help families facing sacrifices and shortages this Christmas by donating decorations and treats.

Article Source: The Leith Collective
Last Updated: 27 November 2023 15:20

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families are facing a crisis this Christmas. The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas.

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year.

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort, and Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary;

“We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement. There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families - and the festive season will be no different. Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours. It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre
Glasgow
G1 4BW
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm, seven days a week

The Leith Collective at Glasgow Fort
Unit 31
G34 9DL
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 10pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm seven days a week

The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

World Surf League Big Wave Pros Make a Splash at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Scottish surfing prodigy Ben Larg and elite big wave surfer Andrew Cotton recently demonstrated their skills at Lost Shore Surf Resort.

Leftfield reopens with new look and menu

Leftfield - the Bruntsfield neighbourhood restaurant by restaurateur Rachel Chisholm and chef Phil White - has reopened its doors following a short period of refurbishment.

Cafe Calton to Open This June on Iconic Calton Hill

This June, Edinburgh will welcome Cafe Calton, a vibrant new day-to-evening venue perched atop the city’s iconic Calton Hill.

Heading Down Under: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces Australia and New Zealand Tours

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced they will be touring the Show The Heroes Who Made Us in Australia and New Zealand in 2026.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh launches today

Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh, The List’s new publication featuring a treasure trove of dining recommendations, launched today, and is available for free from all good stockists across the capital city.

Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Edinburgh Playhouse

The Edinburgh Playhouse along with producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce a brand-new production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical.

New pub and restaurant to be the Darling of Edinburgh neighbourhood

The Edinburgh neighbourhood of Stockbridge is set to welcome a bustling new pub and restaurant to Hamilton Place at the end of May.

Free outdoor cinema returns to Edinburgh this June with blockbuster weekend

Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city.

Mindroom launches Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion

Mindroom will launch ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’ with a free-to-attend online event on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 to 11.30am.

Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood Makes Waves with Art and first floating Sound Therapy in Scotland

The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is making waves with the launch of two fresh experiences, inviting guests and locals to enjoy a world of creativity, culture, and wellbeing.

Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.

Edinburgh and the Lothians Best takes home Prestigious Prizes at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards

Top butchers and bakeries in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ have claimed a variety of much sought-after prizes at the prestigious 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry partnership with UNIFIED

Edinburgh International Film Festival and newly formed production outfit UNIFIED have today announced they are partnering on a special strand of events as part of the industry programme.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

Guide Dogs go for a walk on the wild side at Edinburgh Zoo

Two puppies in training to become guide dogs enjoyed a visit to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a new collaboration between Guide Dogs and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Edinburgh International Festival Celebrates Record Breaking Youth Participation with 25 Years of Art of Listening Workshops

This year the Edinburgh International Festival’s flagship workshop Art of Listening celebrates 25 years of bringing live classical music to schoolchildren across Edinburgh.

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Rooftop vibes return to Edinburgh city centre

Skyline Sips, Edinburgh’s most exciting rooftop venue, is back for its third year at Level 5, St James Quarter.

A Landmark Year for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

May and June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Music to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in May and June!

Here & Now showcase returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Here & Now returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ith a brilliant programme of the best dance, installation, integrated performance, movement and theatre being created in England right now.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 to open with acclaimed SORRY, BABY by Eva Victor

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced Eva Victor’s acclaimed comedy-drama SORRY, BABY will open the Festival in August.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh partners with Aperol to transform iconic rooftop bar

Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has teamed up with Italy’s iconic orange bittersweet aperitif, Aperol, to add some spritz to its city centre location from May until September.

Major new displays at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One this summer

Discover some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this Summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh from 12 July 2025.

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.