This year, the beneficiaries of donations are Borders Children’s Charity, who support children and young people aged 0-18 living in challenging circumstances throughout the Scottish Borders, and Cash for Kids - Mission Christmas, helping ensure that children who might otherwise go without will have something to open on Christmas morning.

SBHA has also acted as a drop-off point for gifts for Cash for Kids, which has been a great success this year.

Through SBHA’s contractor community benefits programme, SBHA and partners have contributed generous cash donations of £4,520 to Borders Children’s Charity, and £4020 to Cash for Kids – Mission Christmas.

The partners include PH Jones, McConnell Group, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Saltire Roofing and Building, Sidey Solutions Ltd., Langmuir+Hay, Walker Profiles, Midburn Construction Ltd, Ferguson & Aitkin Ltd., Keith Mclean Carpets Ltd., John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance, Ballantyne & Handley, Andrew Williamson Bricklayer & Stonemason, Calum Scott Painter & Decorator, Hislops Clearance Specialists & Removals and the Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation (SBTO).

Julia Mulloy, chief executive at SBHA, said: “At SBHA, we are committed to making a positive difference for young people across the Borders, especially at a time of year that can be difficult for many families. We are proud that our Community Benefits can support Borders Children’s Charity in the incredible work they do - providing essentials, opportunities, and making sure children are not excluded because of financial hardship.

“We’re also delighted to support Cash for Kids once again, through a cash donation and by acting as a collection point for gifts. Our colleagues, partners and customers have shown huge generosity to help make Christmas feel special for local children.”

Linda Runciman, chair of Borders Children’s Charity, said: “Borders Children’s Charity are delighted to be SBHA’s chosen Christmas charity and benefit from your Community Benefits. Your donation will give opportunities and basic comforts for children and young people living in adverse conditions in our local communities. Thank you.

“As the charity is run entirely by a committee of unpaid local volunteers, almost all the money we receive goes directly to the projects, children, and young people we support.”

Carly Mackenzie, Charity Manager – Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas, added: “We are delighted to accept this donation from SBHA and partners. This year again has been extremely difficult for so many families and, with almost 1,500 applications from families for Christmas, these incredible donations of cash and gifts will go a long way in helping us to ensure that no child or young person wakes up on Christmas Day without a gift. Without donations like these we would not be able to do the work we do, and we are incredibly grateful.”