Laura Thomas from Heathhall in Dumfries started the Helping Dumfries and Galloway Facebook page in March this year at the start of the Covid Pandemic. Now Laura wants to help spread some Christmas Joy with her ‘December to Remember’ Competition.
Laura Told DGWGO “It was at the start of Lockdown when it was rumoured that elderly and vulnerable groups may have to shield. This got me thinking how my parents would cope with essential things, e.g. picking up prescriptions and getting odd bits of shopping, as I would fall into the vulnerable group. Quickly realised I wouldn’t be only the one in this situation, so I reached out on Facebook to see if anyone would be willing to help those shielding with some essential help. I thought maybe only 40 or 50 people would offer help.
Within the first hour I had over 1000 people, and within the week I over 12k members… I quickly roped in some of my close friends to help me run the group, as it had far exceeded anything I could handle on my own.
As a group , we have been able to help hundreds of people. The community spirit shown in such unprecedented times was brilliant to see. We will continue to offer support and help throughout the ongoing pandemic and beyond.”
Laura continued “We all know this Christmas will be unlike any we have been through, and we decided that we should do something, and our “December to Remember” competition was born. We can all recall the wonder and magic as a child, going round in the car and spotting Christmas decorations in peoples homes, and this gave us the idea for the competition. We are asking people to decorate (at least) one window, take a picture and send it to us, and we will pick winners and prizes will be awarded. I am so grateful to all who have donated prizes. We have everything from a food hamper and vouchers, to an 8ft inflatable disco snowman, and much more.”
“We hope that everyone gets behind this effort to brighten neighbourhoods, get families to share in the fun and joy creating their window, and to spread a little joy in the dark winter.
The entries have started to come in, and they are brilliant. Entries must display #HDAG in the picture, and be sent along with names and ages of all the family taking part and address to [email protected]. First prize will be delivered by someone special on 20th December.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the group, their support and willingness to help has been truly humbling. Also to my admin team, I could not have done it without you, thank you. I hope that you all have a safe Christmas and let’s pray for a better 2021.”
