Scheme spreads festive cheer throughout the year

Dec 11 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH shop has launched an innovative campaign that will allow Scots soldiers to show their families and loved-ones how much they care about them.

Staff and craft-enthusiasts attending regular workshops at Celebrations Cards and Crafts on the Fair City’s North Methven Street will be producing hand-made cards to send to brave men and women laying down their lives for their country.

The scheme is designed to allow soldiers to fill the blank creations in and send them back to the UK.

Shop owner Lorraine Caddell, who is also an elected member of Perth and Kinross Council, said it was a conversation with an ex-serviceman nephew of hers that inspired the idea.

She explained: “The army has a wonderful system when it comes to posting things, but there’s no real facility for soldiers to buy things to send to their families when they are serving abroad.

“We want to collect cards here and send them out blank, so the servicemen can fill them in and send them back to whoever they want.

“We’re not just sending Christmas cards, we’re aiming to cater for all occasions.

“I can’t imagine how upsetting it would be for a soldier to know something – like an anniversary for example – is happening but be unable to send a card to show their family they’re thinking of them.

“Normal little things like this make a huge difference to morale,” she said.

In a further big-hearted twist, military personnel will be asked for a small donation after they post the cards, which will be given to charity.

The offerings will be distributed to a variety of army camps abroad from Scone Sub Post Office, which is run by local Councillor Lewis Simpson.

To donate a card, visit the Celebrations Cards and Crafts store on 47 North Methven Street, in the centre of Perth.