Dumfries schoolboy volunteers at foodbank to pay for mum's Christmas present

14.12.2022 - 18:05 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A kind-hearted schoolboy from Dumfries volunteered at a foodbank to pay for his mum’s Christmas present

Twelve-year-old Kian Johnston found his mum a fabulous present at a unique shop where gifts can be bought with kindness.

The Kinder Shop appeared for one day in Dumfries on Friday and allowed shoppers to take home gifts and luxury items for free if they pledged to give their time to one of three local charities.

Kian, who visited with his friends from North West Community Campus, said: “I got her this giant cushion because her recliner is broken and my dad always gets the corner of the sofa so this will give her something to support her.”

Also visiting the shop were fellow volunteers Matthew Carroll, also 12, and Aaron Kirk, 11, who also found gifts for their mums.

Aaron said: “I got my mum a pair of fluffy slippers.

“I think it’s great to come to a shop like this and get your presents for free by helping others.”

The boys had been helping to stock up the shelves at the foodbank run by the Queen of the South Community Trust.

Dan Armstrong, the club’s community and development manager, was impressed with their eagerness to help out at the foodbank.

He said: “The boys have been brilliant. They came down to help us get all the shelves stocked up with donations.

“We do a lot of work with their school and children in Dumfries through a programme that helps build their confidence and get involved in their community so the Kinder Shop has been a nice way to show them that looking out for others is valued.”

More than 400 hours were pledged to local charities as part of the Kinder Shop initiative which is the idea of The Cumberland Building Society.