EDF in East Kilbride plays Secret Santa to local children

Staff at EDF Energy’s East Kilbride office have been sharing their Christmas spirit with children in the area through their annual Christmas Giving Tree.

Each year staff based in the town’s GSO Business Park place presents under the office Christmas tree which are handed over to South Lanarkshire Council’s social work department. The presents are then passed on children who otherwise may not receive a gift on the 25th of December.

East Kilbride MSP, Linda Fabiani visited the offices to officially hand-over 363 presents on behalf of EDF Energy, the largest number donated in one year. Staff have given more than 2,100 gifts over the past nine years.

Before the handover, representatives from the social work department told employees about the challenges some of the families they support face at this time of year and the difference the gifts make.

Finance Shared Services Director, Robert Gilhooly, said: “I’m delighted to see the generosity of the employees here at the East Kilbride office shine through again ensuring that children South Lanarkshire Council’s social work department support year round will have gifts to open on Christmas morning.

Christmas is a time when financial pressures can really come to a head so while this gesture will not solve long-term issues it may help families enjoy their time a little more.”

Linda Fabiani, MSP, said: “As ever, I am delighted to be part of this generous and thoughtful initiative by the team. The EDF Energy staff fundraise all year for various charitable concerns, but every Christmas their spirit of goodwill surpasses expectations. I know that those who’re having a hard time this festive season will really appreciate this effort.”