Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale MP David Mundell was delighted to ‘Help Make a Difference’ for the charity Barnardo’s Scotland.
Every year, Community Service Volunteer’s ‘Make a Difference Day’ sets out to encourage people to volunteer in their local communities.
Barnardos Scotland has worked with MPs and MSPs in the last few years to celebrate ‘Make a Difference Day’ by arranging for them to spend time in their local Barnardo’s shop, supporting their staff.
Last year the local Dumfriesshire MP supported Barnardos and this year returned to take his place behind the counter in the charity’s Moffat shop.
“I was delighted to have been able to help out at the Barnados shop in Moffat,” recalled Mr Mundell.
“One of my jobs was sizing items so I hope I got it right! They are also always on the look out for donations of clothes (particularly from men) and other items to sell.
“And one thing that people don’t always realise is that Gift Aid can apply on donations to charity shops like Barnados, which means that they benefit even more from whatever you give. So now is the time to get that wardrobe cleared!” he added.
“It was a valuable experience and I’d certainly encourage others to become involved in volunteering,” said Mr Mundell.
At the same time others in the constituency were also trying to ‘Help Make a Difference.’ These included Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service and the Moffat Lets Live Local Group who were trying to make a difference to the environment by resurrecting the skill of hedge laying and improving hedgerow habitats through an informal training day held outside the town.