HAVE MERCY THIS CHRISTMAS
This Christmas we reflect on a year of joy and sadness.
In recent months, “the world is not a happy place” is a message I’ve heard so many times. In the week running up to Christmas, tragic events in the Middle East, Germany, Turkey and Mexico have dominated our TV screens and our thoughts, echoing this message even louder.
Yet Christmas is a time of hope. It is a time to renew our efforts to work towards a better future and to support those in need. Charities such as Mercy Corps and Edinburgh Direct Aid, which deliver humanitarian aid to children and families in some of the most hard-to-reach areas of conflict, are helping to provide food, blankets and other essential assistance.
I am proud to say the people of Edinburgh have shown steady support for these charities and that we stand ready to continue our support into the New Year. Over 1,000 refugees arrived safely in Scotland in 2016 and in Edinburgh, we have been helping to home numerous asylum-seeking families and lone children.
Edinburgh has a long history of community spirit and this Christmas, I would like to thank you for making Edinburgh the great, welcoming and peaceful city it is. Let’s be proud of our city, look out for and support our community, and do what we can for those in need this Christmas.
With best wishes and good health this Christmas and in 2017.
Lord Provost, Donald Wilson
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
