TV show shines light on help given by Salvation Army in Govan

The crucial festive work of The Salvation Army in Glasgow has featured on BBC One’s The One Show as part of a wider piece looking at this area.

Film crews recorded at the church and charity in Govan to capture its Christmas Present Appeal, which this year is expected to bring joy and hope to around 1,500 children who might otherwise miss out on opening a present.

Church leaders Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft say that compared to last year they are already seeing almost twice as much demand from people hardest hit by the pandemic.

Viewers met the frontline team sorting and delivering thousands of presents and found out how they can donate a gift or make a financial contribution to the practical support provided by The Salvation Army.

A parent from a local primary school, where all children will this year receive gifts from The Salvation Army, also shared her story with The One Show Presenter Joe Crowley.

Alison, a mum of three, said this year had been difficult after she was furloughed from her job. 

She said: “Asking for help was a big hurdle to overcome. But I am grateful for the support and for the strong sense of community we have in Govan.”

Anyone looking to donate a present is asked to check whether their local corps (centre) is participating in the Christmas Present Appeal on their local corps web page of The Salvation Army website before donating a present. Not every corps is taking part and local restrictions and conditions apply.  Many corps are accepting donations via Justgiving, have set up Amazon wish lists or are collecting vouchers or cash locally to buy presents rather than accepting physical gifts.

Liz Lacey who co-ordinates the Christmas Present Appeal at Govan Salvation Army said: “It was a pleasure to take part in filming for The One Show to highlight the importance of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal. Last year we gave out gifts to around 900 children. This year we expect to give out many more.

“Most of the increase we’re seeing is due to the pandemic. Govan was already one of the most socially deprived communities in Scotland before the lockdowns. But with many people on low-paid, zero hours contracts, the need has increased massively this year.

“We saw this during the first lockdown when along with Govan Housing Association and the nearby Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice we gave out over 100 hot meals a day and 140 food parcels a week.”

To find out how to donate to the Christmas Present Appeal see: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal