Since 2000, women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dumfries, Edinburgh area have aided the Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid with contributions of toys, clothing, hygiene packs, food hampers and various other items.
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The church in Dumfries had first taken notice of the shelter when one of its members came upon a mother and child in need. The member directed the woman and child to the refuge for assistance. Since that introduction in 2000, the church has aimed to support the Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid in its amiable goal to assist the community.
In 2011, members of the Church were notified by the women’s aid of an immediate need for emergency supplies. Church members were swiftly organised and ready to respond to the need. Through their persistence to serve, the need was soon filled.
Members have also been diligent in providing the refuge with stocking fillers and food hampers during the Christmas season, the gifts always warmly received by the charitable organisation.
This past year, men and women of all ages in the Dumfries area combined to cut out Santas, snowmen and other Christmas motifs in which to adorn the stockings.
Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid was established in 1979, offering care and confidential advise to women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. During its first year of service, seventy-nine referrals were received. In 2012, four thousand frightened women and children contacted the refuge.