Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association (WSHA) was proud to host its 4th annual Festive Fayre, a joyful celebration that brought Christmas magic to families across Whiteinch and Scotstoun. This year’s event welcomed an incredible 504 local people through the doors of The Whiteinch Centre, with 95% of attendees living in the G14 area.
Delivered by WSHA and supported by The Whiteinch Centre (TWC), the Festive Fayre showcased the power of community connection, generosity and shared celebration.
Twenty-two staff members from WSHA and TWC, along with twelve dedicated volunteers from TWC, worked tirelessly to create a day filled with warmth, fun and festive spirit for children and families.
Reflecting on the generosity of the wider community, Mareta Greig, Director of Housing & Communities at WSHA, said: “The sheer amount of toys donated is amazing – thank you to everyone that donated. The difference this will make for families in the run up to Christmas is unbelievable.
I would also like to say a special thank you to one of our Housing Officers, Lisa Wards. Lisa’s hard work, commitment and dedication to organising the toy donation drive helped make Christmas a special and joyful time for many families in our community”.
The event offered something for all ages. Parents, carers and children enjoyed a family-focused day where every child received five free toys from the WSHA donation drive - an initiative made possible thanks to the generosity of tenants, staff and community partners. The excitement was felt throughout the day, with one parent sharing, “This is amazing – the kids have had a ball and they were so excited to see Santa!” Another added, “Amazing day for my children,” while a third reflected: “The excitement on the kids faces coming to see Santa is the best experience for me as a parent.”
Debs Allan, Communities Manager at WSHA, expressed her pride in the event’s growth: “Our Christmas Fayre has become a community tradition – it’s always a bit chaotic, but it’s lots of fun. A massive thank you to staff and volunteers, as all of this wouldn’t be possible without them. I just hope they’re ready to do it all again next year.”
Families enjoyed culturally sensitive food options, festive entertainment, and the chance to meet Santa as well as the Grinch - both of whom brought fun, photos and plenty of laughter. Guests praised the atmosphere and organisation of the day, with one attendee commenting, “The food is very tasty,” and another noting, “Overwhelmingly positive – well done!”
The donated toys - always a highlight - received heartfelt appreciation. Volunteers shared that “lots of families in the toy area were so grateful and expressing their thanks.” One parent reflected on returning year after year: “We came with our kids a few years ago and have a photo from then, and it was lovely to compare it to this year’s photo.” Another explained just how meaningful the support was this year: “The fact that we can get five toys free per kid is magical. It takes such a weight off my shoulders, knowing that there’ll be lots under the tree for my kids.” A further attendee summed up the sentiment shared by many: “I can’t believe all of this is free. It’s really helped a lot.”
Emphasising the event’s inclusive spirit, Aily Thomson, Community Projects Officer at TWC, shared: “An event like this is about bringing every single member of the community together. It’s a great opportunity for so many people from different backgrounds and cultures to come together to break bread and enjoy the Christmas season.”
The welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression on attendees and volunteers alike. One guest noted, “We are all so appreciative of the entire event and I really enjoy the opportunity to sit with my family, to chat with others and experience a welcoming event.” A volunteer added, “It was a glorious event… a lot of positive feedback came from the community on how WSHA takes care of their community, very encouraging and soul lifting.” These reflections underscore the deep sense of belonging that the Festive Fayre fosters year after year.
Angela Molloy, Community Services Officer at WSHA, reflected on the day: “I think it’s such an amazing event. The Whiteinch Centre comes alive and the place is buzzing. The sense of excitement on the kids’ faces and the positive atmosphere makes it all worthwhile. It’s great to do something so special every year for the community and our tenants.”
As this year’s Festive Fayre activities draw to a close, WSHA and TWC remain committed to supporting families, strengthening community ties and ensuring that every child in the community has the chance to experience the joy, warmth and wonder of Christmas.
Please enjoy the short film we have created with footage from the day.
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