Article Source: Shelter Scotland
Last Updated: 28 February 2024 12:33
Angela Proctor’s story, of a little dog who guards a rough sleeper, was shown as an animated festive film - Arthur’s Christmas Tale - in independent cinemas across the country last December.
Cinemagoers moved by the heartwarming encounter with Arthur, the little pug, got the chance to donate to Shelter Scotland either through a QR code or collections tins. And patrons from Oban to Dumfries and Galloway responded.
Angela, from Glasgow’s East End, writes under the name AH Proctor and is best known for her Thumble Tumble series of stories for children. She initially created Arthur’s Christmas Tale as a poem, highlighting kindness and homelessness, for schoolchildren doing a charity sleep-in.
It told of a brave little dog, watching over his homeless master sleeping rough on cardboard in the snow. When Arthur meets the cold-hearted Jack Frost, who despises Christmas, he wins over the Scrooge-like stranger, giving him his only possession – a shiny white bone – and demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas.
The poem was so successful that Angela decided to turn it into a short film to raise funds to fight homelessness. It was shown during trailers throughout December and Angela, also a successful businesswoman, mentor and mother, is delighted with its reception.
“The message really seems to have resonated with audiences and I’m thrilled that this simple story of kindness has elicited such a response from cinemagoers. I’d like to thank everyone who put their hand in their pocket at a time of year which can be a strain on finances. It is enormously appreciated.”
Sharryn McKelvie, Shelter Scotland Senior Community Fundraising Area Manager said: “Angela came up with a wonderful initiative which has really touched people and we’re most grateful for the support of all those who donated. We can’t fight the threat of homelessness alone and it helps immensely to know that others want to do their bit to try to alleviate the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society.”
As of 31 March 2023, there were 15,039 households in temporary accommodation, 9,595 of them children, the highest number recorded. Between April 2022 and March 2023 another 32,242 households became homeless – the equivalent of a household losing their home every 16 minutes.
In making the film Angela wanted to support art in Scotland by ensuring that all those involved came from small, aspiring Scottish companies. She worked with Glasgow-based independent animation studio Clubhouse Animations and StrangeWorx Productions.
For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the 'eerie' Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel.
READ MOREThe shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MOREThere's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MOREScotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MOREKeela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MOREScotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MOREFormer Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MOREAmy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MOREScotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MOREThe Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MOREWith the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MOREShoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MOREBrits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORESome of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MOREChristmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MOREChildren's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity ‘The Brian Reilly Music Fellowship’ (BRMF) as Charity Partner for their 2026 Production of We Will Rock You!
READ MOREGlobal indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MOREFor the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MOREConnolly's Cumbernauld Flourish is a community celebration of Billy Connolly's life and the legendary comedian's connection to Cumbernauld.
READ MOREBeat the Street, the free active travel game has launched for the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
READ MOREGet ready for a thrilling mix of creativity, mystery and starlit wonder at New Lanark this autumn.
READ MORERenowned tribute band Supreme Queen will bring their spectacular live production to The Town House, Hamilton, Friday 26th September as part of their nationwide UK tour.
READ MOREScotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE