The Salvation Army will spread a message of love and goodwill at Glasgow Airport this Christmas – with the festive sound of its brass bands and a £5,000 donation to help people affected by motor neuron disease.
Major Iain Hudson, who leads the church and charity’s airport chaplaincy team, has arranged for Salvation Army bands to play carols throughout December – leading up to a special singalong concert for passengers and staff on Friday December 19, from 12pm-1pm.
At this event, Major Iain will present a cheque for more than £5000 to representatives from MND Scotland following months of fundraising by the chaplaincy team and airport staff.
Iain said: “Christmas is a time when people look out for each other, and we are proud to support MND Scotland’s work with families who face the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Glasgow Airport is a community of thousands of people working at pace to help passengers reach loved ones at this special time of year or who are returning home from faraway places. This donation is the result of that community at its very best.”
Lynne Wiseman, Fundraising Lead for MND Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Major Iain, Mark Beveridge, The Salvation Army, and the team at Glasgow Airport for their continued support of MND Scotland this year.
“MND Scotland is funded entirely by donations and grants, and we are supporting more people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) than ever before. This partnership has helped to raise much-needed funds and important awareness, contributing to our vision of a world without MND.
“We would like to thank the team for their incredible fundraising activities this year and for helping to raise £5,000. This donation will help make time count for families affected by motor neuron disease.”
Mark Beveridge, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: "We’re delighted to support The Salvation Army’s efforts this Christmas and to contribute to MND Scotland’s important work. The generosity shown by our staff and partners reflects the strong sense of community at the airport, especially at this time of year.”
The Salvation Army chaplaincy team offers practical and pastoral support to any of the passengers arriving at or departing from Glasgow Airport, as well as to more than 5000 staff who are responsible for keeping the airport operating 24/7. Iain is supported by volunteers Marianne Harvey and Dawn Foxley. The mission of the chaplaincy team is to be there for anyone who needs the service, irrespective of denomination, faith or creed.
Iain is also working with staff at the airport to collect toys for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, which supports families in nearby communities whose children might otherwise not receive a gift.
Iain added: “The Salvation Army is honoured to have this role supporting the many thousands of passengers and staff at Glasgow Airport from all backgrounds and nationalities. The airport is getting busier each day now with people starting to fly home and arrive for the holidays. The staff here are always so generous in supporting charities and worthwhile causes, it really is a special community.”