Glasgow Spirit of Christmas
1283. Julie Griffin
Julie Griffin, from Glasgow, has created a 29,000-strong online community of volunteers to coordinate efforts across the city to provide gifts for vulnerable children at Christmas.
Set up in 2014, the ‘Glasgow Spirit of Christmas’ has since supported 45,763 children with donations worth approximately £1,238,295.
In a personal letter to Julie, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you are bringing Christmas cheer to thousands of children across Glasgow and coordinating gifts from your online army of volunteers.”
Julie said:
“It is an honour to receive recognition of our ‘Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas’ children’s gift campaign. I am very proud to accept this award to recognise the many wonderful charitable organisations, campaign members, local businesses and incredible volunteers that make up our mindful, kind and compassionate community. Everyone works together to make a real difference and bring the magic of Christmas to children and young people’s lives that are affected by financial hardship or living in poverty.”