The housebuilder is hanging gift tags from the charity on a Christmas tree in its new Yew show home at The Grange and in its head office in Stoneywood, each of which has the age of a local child or young person on it who is growing up in challenging circumstances or an outing for the children the charity supports. These include climbing wall experiences, ten-pin bowling trips, teddy bears’ picnics at Haddo House and paddle boarding on the River Don which they can share with their friender.

Staff, contractors and visitors are being offered the opportunity to take a tag and purchase a gift for a young person so that they can enjoy Christmas with some presents to open or have an experience to look forward to.

Claire Bathgate, head of sales for Dandara Aberdeen, said: “Sadly due to the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs, some parents will not have enough money to spare to buy any gifts for their children this year.

“We are hoping that our team, local residents at our developments in Aberdeen and visitors will come along to our lovely new show home and take a tag or donate to the charity which does such an amazing job supporting local young people all year round and bringing joy to them at Christmas. The festive period can be a very difficult time for so many families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Dandara has also agreed to help the charity deliver Family Support Packages to those in need to help support them through the winter when so many struggle with heating their home and buying warm clothes for their children.

Befriend a Child is a local charity supporting school aged children and young people growing up in challenging home life circumstances across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with 1:1 befriending, mentoring and group activities. Supporting over 250 children annually they aim to make sure each and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Katie Kyle, head of fundraising and marketing at Befriend a Child, said: “Our annual Giving Tree appeal allows every child we support and their siblings to open Christmas presents and experience that magical Christmas joy that we all remember as a child. We know that many of the children would not have this experience otherwise.

“Thanks to all the partners for getting involved, if it wasn’t for businesses like Dandara choosing to support the charity then we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”