The Medics Against Violence Christmas campaign with Radisson RED Glasgow and Glasgow Live hit the £3000 initial target the charity needed to make sure everyone who asked for their help got what they needed.(Image: Getty Images)

Many struggling families all over Glasgow are today enjoying a safe, warm and happy Christmas thanks to our readers and a much-loved city hotel. The Medics Against Violence Christmas campaign with Radisson RED Glasgow and Glasgow Live hit the £3000 initial target the charity needed to make sure everyone who asked for their help got what they needed.

With gift aid bringing the total raised up to around £3,700 plus a surprise donation of two trolleys full of toys from chef Dean Banks, the MAV team were hugely relieved to be able to support those who were counting on them.

Head of Service Geraldine Lennon said: “The need this year has been worse then ever, the desperation of some of the requests was really powerful. So it’s a huge relief and a massive win that we have not only hit the £3000 we needed to cover the requests for help we had, but even a little more to let us help into the New Year.

“And of course now if we get last minute pleas for help we’re in a position to do so. We never want to turn anyone away of course but we can’t help without funds.

“Thank you to Glasgow Live, to Graham and all at Radisson RED Glasgow and of course to the amazing people of our city who have actually donated their hard-earned cash at this difficult time of year. A lot of families are smiling and making good memories of a happy Christmas together thanks to your donations and to our partners for spreading the word of what we do and what we needed.

“Thank you all – and Merry Christmas from team MAV.”

Radisson RED Glasgow focus on a different charity in the city every Christmas, working with Glasgow Live and promoting the appeal on electronic billboards and across social media and in the hotel.

GM Graham Chalmers said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, liked, or shouted about this campaign. Times are tough for us all so it really is appreciated that people have found a way to contribute money to help those less fortunate.

“Of course the biggest thanks goes to the amazing people at Medics Against Violence, who work all day every day, all year round, to help people in Glasgow.

“They’re literally heroes who remind us all about the spirit of our city.

“Merry Christmas everyone.”

Chef Dean Banks donated two huge trolleys of toys to MAV, some of which went to families in Glasgow, helping towards the requests the fundraising was aimed at too.

But while it’s all about smiles today, Geraldine does admit she and the team are already worried about the early months of 2026.

She said: “It’s looking like a cold dark start to the year and the issues don’t go away – we have been able to help now, but the same families and more are facing these situations every day not just Christmas.

“So please remember us and remember the way fellow Glaswegians are living right now – worrying about the next meal, staying warm and dry, being safe.

“If you’d like to know more about what we do or get involved in some way, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

“Thank you everyone from us all and from all of Glasgow. The old slogan is still true. People do make our city what it is.”

The link is still open if you’d like to donate, more information can be found here.