Gigs in Scotland and DF Concerts are encouraging music fans across Glasgow to spread some festive kindness this Christmas by supporting a special gift drive in partnership with charity Kids in Mind, helping bring joy to disadvantaged children and young people who have escaped domestic abuse.
Throughout November and December, fans attending 11 shows across Glasgow will be invited to drop off an unwrapped gift to a donation point outside participating venues, with donations collected by the Gigs in Scotland team and delivered directly to Kids in Mind following each event.
The initiative hopes to ensure more children and young people who may otherwise face a difficult Christmas have something of their own to open on Christmas morning, providing a sense of normality.
The gift drive will run across a series of shows at venues including OVO Hydro, Barrowland, O2 Academy Glasgow, Glasgow International Arena, and St Luke's, bringing together artists, fans and venues in support of a shared cause.
Kids in Mind is welcoming donations of brand-new gifts for children and young people aged six months to 16 years. Suggested gifts include toys, games, books, toiletries, arts and crafts, clothing and accessories, with donations used to create bespoke festive gift bags for referred children and young people. Chocolate and sweets are also welcome additions.
For those who prefer to shop online, a QR code will be available at the donation points, taking supporters to an online shop where gifts can be purchased and sent directly to the charity.
Kids in Mind is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and other difficult circumstances. Through mental health therapy sessions and a range of recreational activities, the charity helps children work through difficult experiences, manage their emotions and build confidence, while providing positive experiences and opportunities to look forward to.
The initiative marks a continuation of DF Concerts' relationship with Kids in Mind, having previously supported the charity through its annual Christmas tree gift tag initiative. By extending this tradition to its live music audiences, DF Concerts hopes to encourage music fans to make a small contribution that could have a meaningful impact on a child's Christmas.
Andy Dunlop, Head of Concert Operations at DF Concerts, said: “We're incredibly proud to be working with Kids in Mind again and to be taking our support a step further this Christmas.
“Live music brings people together and we wanted to create an opportunity for our audiences to be part of something positive beyond the shows themselves. A gift might seem like a small gesture, but for a child who has experienced difficult circumstances, having something special to open at Christmas can mean a great deal.
“We're encouraging everyone coming along to one of the participating shows to get involved if they can and help us spread a little festive cheer.”
Mairiona McInally-Kier, Ambassador and Trustee of Kids in Mind, said: “Here at Kids in Mind in Scotland, we are so very grateful to DF Concerts and its many kind-hearted employees for organising this striking initiative to collect brand new toys on our behalf at a fabulous line-up of gigs in Glasgow.
“Over the coming weeks, the donated items will be transformed by our volunteer elves into bespoke Christmas packages so that we can ensure that some of our most vulnerable young citizens do not wake up on Christmas Day without suitable gifts.
“On their behalf, may I shout a huge thank you to all donors and to all at DF Concerts.”
The initiative forms part of DF Concerts' ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and charitable organisations, using the power of live music to make a positive difference beyond the stage.