AN ARDROSSAN housing firm have donated thousands to two charities making a difference in the community this Christmas after a successful awards night.

Cunninghame Housing Association held various charity events at its Long Service awards celebration evening last month in aid of the Salvation Army and North Ayrshire Foodbank.

A grand total of £5,217 was raised for the Salvation Army and North Ayrshire Foodbank with the funds to be split between both local causes.

The association presented a cheque for £2000 to the Salvation Army, based in Irvine to help their Christmas Toy Appeal of this year.

North Ayrshire Foodbank received a cheque for £2,608.65 with the funds helping to provide essential food supplies to families and people in need over the festive period.

The foodbank were delighted with the donation and say it will help feed a further 50 families this Christmas.

Craig Cosway North Ayrshire Foodbank said: “We are delighted with this, of course. We were over subscribed on our Christmas hampers, we are going to use this money and other people’s pledges to make up the short fall.

“So that is another 50 families who will have a festive dinner.”

The Salvation Army were grateful for the donation which they say will help give gifts to children and young people.

John Steele said: “The Salvation Army appreciates the time and effort that Cunninghame Housing Association and their staff have gone to, to donate gifts to the children and young people we support around Ayrshire this Christmas.”

Allison McColl, Cunninghame Housing Association executive director of finance and corporate services, said: “The association is delighted to be able to make these presentations to The Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal 2019 and North Ayrshire Foodbank.

“We hope this helps make a difference to people over the festive period.”

The presentations took place at the association’s Quayside Offices, Ardrossan on Thursday, December 12.