Popular sale is seasonal staple that keeps on giving

If your Christmas ‘to do’ list’s begun to take shape, then don’t leave this out of your plan of attack.

Why not pencil in time to support a local tradition that’s as much a festive fixture as Perth Theatre panto or the city centre’s Christmas lights.

Those good people at Perth Charity Christmas Cards – a much-loved venture that’s raised more than £1million for worthwhile causes – are ready to swoop into action once more.

Their annual sale of cards, calendars, diaries and gifts gets underway in the AK Bell Library on Wednesday 24^th October, and will run until 12 days before Christmas.

Perth Provost Dennis Melloy will officially launch the sale, which last year raised more than £24.000, at 10.30 on Saturday 27^th October. Cards will be on sale five days a week.

It was the great Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie – from just down the road in Dunfermline – who said “charity begins at home, but should not end there.”

It’s a philosophy that sits well with PCCC, whose aim is to help both local causes and national campaigns.

Between 15 and 20 agencies are set benefit from this year’s sale. The event is staffed entirely by volunteers, which means that 100 per cent of the money raised goes to charity.

Between 15 and 20 agencies are set benefit from this year’s sale. The event is staffed entirely by volunteers, which means that 100 per cent of the money raised goes to charity.

PCCC volunteer Katrina Leese is one of many local people who give their time to the sale, which has been supporting charities, far and near, for the past 40 years.

“It’s think it’s fair to say we’ve become a Perth institution over the years,” says Katrina, “and we’re looking forward to welcoming our loyal supporters, as well as new customers

“They’ll be able to select their cards and gifts in a quiet, unrushed atmosphere where our volunteers will be happy to assist.”

PCCC has a steady stream of helpers, drawn mainly from the participating charities, but Perth and Kinross Council – and library staff – offer support too; as does Perth Racecourse, which supplies all of the display tables.

Katrina says new volunteers are always welcome: “Anyone who would like to help with this very enjoyable event should get in touch with us through the library or via our Facebook page.

“And, of course, we’re always keen to hear from any charities that would be interested in joining PCCC to sell their own cards – it’s a really fun event and one that everyone loves being part of.”

Perth Charity Christmas Cards sale runs from Wednesday 24^th October until Thursday 13^th December at the AK Bell Library during library opening hours, including late evenings until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.