At the Springfield Villages Dykes of Gray in Dundee, Bertha Park in Perth, Elgin South in Moray and at the Tulloch Homes development The Maples in Inverness, residents have been asked to nominate charities that are meaningful to them.

Across each of the developments, 30 nominations were received from residents. Now, 12 charities, ranging from charities that support vulnerable people, organisations that help address wellbeing and groups that bring the community together, have been selected to receive a £500 Christmas donation.

In Dykes of Gray, Dundee Bairns, who support vulnerable children in the city through projects, groups and services; Parish Nursing at Dundee Law Church, who are on hand to help those struggling with addiction, homelessness, or wellbeing; and For the love of a Child (FLCO), a group that organises drama therapy and specialise in helping children manage trauma have been selected.

At Bertha Park, The Lighthouse for Perth offers crisis support to anyone over the age of 12 with their mental wellbeing; YMCA Tayside, help those affected by homelessness and mental wellbeing; and Perth Autism Support, who host various activities and groups tailored to those with Autism and ADHD will each receive a £500 donation.

In Moray for Elgin South, £500 will be donated to, Moray School Bank, who provide school uniform, winter clothing and coaching and counselling to families who are experiencing poverty; Keiran’s Legacy who campaign and fundraise to ensure lifesaving defibrillators are readily available in remote communities; and Ladybird Development group, a nursery located in Lossiemouth who look after children with additional needs.

At the Maples in Inverness, Befriending Highland, a charity who helps combat loneliness and supports wellbeing; Special Needs Action Project (SNAP), a charity that helps children and young adults with additional needs; and Headway Highlands, a group that specialises in support for those with any type of brain injury, will each receive £500.

Springfield Group community engagement coordinator, Megan Black, said: “We are really excited for our Christmas Cheer campaign this year and to give a total sum of £6,000 to 12 different charities that have such a positive impact in the communities where we are building our high quality and energy efficient homes.

“Across the Springfield Group, we understand the importance of community – and that extends beyond our neighbours and into the wider area too. Throughout the year we support local groups, charities, organisations and schools with various fundraising efforts, and work with residents within our larger developments to ensure we are supporting the community.

“That’s why we are pleased to engage with the residents at The Maples, Bertha Park, Dykes of Gray and Elgin South to ensure we are supporting those key groups that matter most to the community. We have been overwhelmed by the number of nominations for some fantastic causes and selecting just 12 has been a very challenging decision indeed!

“We’d like to thank those who took the time to submit a nomination and to make us aware of the work of these amazing charities. Whilst we couldn’t donate to all of the nominations for the Christmas Cheer campaign, we are going to explore other ways we can engage with these groups in the new year.”

Springfield Properties also hosted its annual community Christmas event for its Dykes of Gray residents this month, with a festive line-up for all to enjoy including a 13ft tree with solar powered lights and a special visit from Santa Claus himself.

The Dykes of Gray village in Dundee is designed with community in mind and this year’s winter event underlined the importance of bringing local people together. Residents had the chance to meet Santa in the sales office which was transformed into Santa’s grotto.

Dale Ashelford from Springfield said: “It was wonderful to see so many people from the local community come together to embrace the festivities and meet Santa Claus! In developing the Dykes of Gray village, we have supported the creation of a new community. Our annual Christmas event is a reminder of our commitment to the neighbourhoods in which we build to create warm welcoming homes and active communities. As always, we received fantastic feedback from many of the families that came along, with many commenting that the event offered the chance to come together with their neighbours and forge special memories with their families this festive season.”