A compassionate gardener from Lanarkshire is diversifying his services this Christmas season by offering a unique Christmas tree removal service and donating a portion of his earnings to the charity Loaves and Fishes. Marc Shields, also known as The Electric Gardener, has been running the garden maintenance company Sunshine on Leaf in East Kilbride for the past three years. His wide range of services includes hedge and lawn care, tree surgery, planting, and landscaping.
Marc, who has previously volunteered with St Andrew’s Hospice, has a strong connection to the community and understands the significant impact that Loaves and Fishes has in East Kilbride. He expressed his desire to give back to the charity this festive season. Loaves and Fishes operates a food bank that feeds around 250 individuals each week in East Kilbride, with numbers on the rise. This Christmas, they plan to distribute 890 emergency food parcels to families in need, including gifts for 400 children.
In an effort to support Loaves and Fishes, Marc is offering an environmentally friendly Christmas tree removal service after the New Year. Customers can book the service by sending a text or WhatsApp message to Sunshine on Leaf. Thirty percent of the income generated from this service will be donated to the food bank to aid in their important work of providing essential supplies to those facing hardship. Marc has also volunteered to assist Loaves and Fishes during the holidays in delivering food parcels to those in need.
Lesley Davidson, chairperson of Loaves and Fishes, commended Marc for his generosity and innovative approach to fundraising. She noted the vital role that community support plays in sustaining the charity’s operations and serving the local population. Marc’s initiative not only helps the charity but also provides a convenient solution for locals looking to dispose of their Christmas trees in an eco-friendly manner.
The collaboration between Marc Shields and Loaves and Fishes demonstrates the power of community engagement and individual philanthropy in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals during the holiday season. By leveraging his gardening skills and business acumen, Marc is making a meaningful contribution to his community and inspiring others to support charitable causes.