Falkirk Delivers shares festive message to all

Falkirk Delivers, which manages the local Business Improvement District, stepped in to commission the short film, which includes a magical message from Santa to remind people to remain kind, safe and merry this year.

The on-line video received a great response from the public when it was broadcast via social media.

Ailis Foster, assistant BID manager, said: “Falkirk District usually enjoys a Christmas lights switch-on event which was not possible this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

"It is normally a well-attended event, with an abundance of festive spirit, and Falkirk Delivers was keen to find an alternative way to provide the public with some Christmas cheer this year.

“The Christmas video has received praise online with many people welcoming the message from Santa and his elves. The video is still available to watch on the Falkirk Delivers Facebook page.”

Falkirk Delivers is also behind an innovative Gift Card scheme in the area. The District Towns Gift Card, with values of £5 to £500, can be used to purchase a huge variety of products, services and food and drink in more than 100 outlets in Falkirk, Denny, Stenhousemuir, Grangemouth and Bo’ness.

The aim is to keep consumer spend on high streets, while also providing a much-needed boost to local economy recovery during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

With Christmas fast approaching, the cards are a simple and accessible way to buy a festive gift for friends, relatives or colleagues.

If you are a business owner you could reward staff with a District Towns Gift Card, or give a gift card instead of a festive office party.

Employers who reward staff with the District Towns Gift Card can take advantage of the UK trivial benefits scheme, which allows a business to give an employee a benefit of up to £50 without paying tax, but only if the benefit isn’t in cash.

Love Falkirk, the compassion ministry of Falkirk Vineyard Church, decided the gift cards would be a great way to support families this year.

The group purchased District Towns Gift Cards for 87 families with donations they had received totalling £4,390.

Lyndsey Henderson, Love Falkirk co-ordinator, said: “Usually at Christmas we provide presents for families who are struggling financially but due to current Covid circumstances we were unable to do this.

“The gift cards have been a great solution because we want to see Falkirk prosper and by buying gift cards from Falkirk Delivers we were not only supporting our community but also supporting and investing in our town.”

To buy the gift cards, there is an online purchasing system, or they can be bought at the Help Desk in the Howgate Shopping Centre. Tickets can also be purchased at The Steeple Box Office, between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Wednesday until December 23.

In addition, Falkirk Delivers has partnered with The Howgate Shopping Centre for an annual Gift Appeal this month.

Each Christmas, the shopping centre raises funds to support disadvantaged children who would not normally have access to gifts or toys.

This year, an online donation facility was created to allow people to give money virtually. The donations are then loaded on to District Towns Gift Cards and given to social workers and school teachers to distribute.

Stefanie Paterson, assistant BID manager, said: “The Gift Appeal is a very worthwhile cause and especially during 2020.

“We have been very happy to collaborate with the Howgate Shopping Centre to create an on-line donation system.

“We are delighted that the appeal has raised more than £800. Donations are now closed but we thank everyone who contributed, and we know it will make a difference to many deserving children this Christmas.”

The Howgate Shopping Centre also gave special thanks to Alec and Jane Scott for their donations and GMB Branch A77 Asda CDC Falkirk who raised £500 to buy gifts.

Falkirk Delivers has generously donated three £50 District Towns Gift Cards as part of a festive competition.

The public can enter the prize draw, which runs until January 5, to have a chance of winning one of the cards.

BID manager Elaine Grant said: “This year has been very challenging for so many people and also for local businesses. We have been working hard behind the scenes to support as many people as we can.

“From all of our staff, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the best of wishes for the New Year.”

Find out more about the work of Falkirk Delivers at https://falkirkdelivers.com/