When: Wednesday 1st August 2012
Time: 11am – 1pm
Where: Shelter Scotland shop, 66 High Street, Hawick, TD9 9EE
What: Journalists and photographers are invited to a photo call with Jim Hume MSP who is volunteering at Shelter Scotland’s Hawick shop. He will be joined by local staff, volunteers and customers.
LOCAL charity shoppers got more than they bargained for today (1st August) after being served by a rather familiar face – Liberal Democrat MSP for South of Scotland, Jim Hume.
Mr Hume, housing spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, volunteered at Shelter Scotland’s Hawick shop, helping to sort donations, price items and put out stock – much to the delight of customers.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Borders MSP and Housing Spokesperson, Jim Hume, said:
“The Borders is a low wage economy and the lack of socially rented housing is a particular problem. Volunteering here in Shelter Scotland’s Hawick shop is a really useful way to hear from staff and volunteers on the ground about day-to-day housing issues. It’s also important in underlining the vital role charities play in our communities.
“Last year alone, 19,000 calls were made to Shelter Scotland’s helpline so it’s critical that government policy is focussed on providing enough socially rented accommodation for people.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Jim to our team of dedicated volunteers and hope he enjoys his time at the Hawick shop. Like many charity retailers, our shops are predominantly staffed by hard working and dedicated volunteers, who give up what little time they have to help others. I’m sure the staff, volunteers and customers in Hawick will appreciate Jim’s hard work.”
Graeme Brown added:
“At a time when funding for our national and local services is being cut our 37 shops across Scotland are a vital source of income. We understand that not everyone has the time to volunteer, but there are many other ways to help us in our fight against bad housing and homelessness such as donating unwanted goods to one of our shops or making a direct donation via our website – no donation is too small.
“We hope that the people of Hawick will continue to support Shelter Scotland, because without their help and generosity our fight to end bad housing and homelessness would be so much harder.”
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
- Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit http://scotland.shelter.org.uk or call 0808 800 4444.
- Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
- Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Shelter Scotland
Email: mediascotland@shelter.org.uk
Website: http://www.shelterscotland org.uk
