FUNNYMAN Gary Faulds has backed the Glasgow Times’s Toy Bank Appeal.

The city comedian, who found himself homeless earlier this year, has urged Glaswegians to get involved with the charity after witnessing the generosity of strangers when he was at his lowest.

The Glasgow Times launched its Toy Bank Appeal earlier this month in a bid to save Christmas for the city’s children.

Gary said: “2020 has shown us all how important community spirit can be, and this appeal is another chance to come together to bless children less fortunate than our own.

“I have four children myself and I know how tough our Christmas is going to be despite me and my wife both working full time.

“We will be donating to the Toy Bank Appeal and I hope the community will all come together again to be part of a collective blessing.”

On Friday, a paper bag will be included inside every copy of the Glasgow Times to be filled with toys for youngsters in need.

A logo for the bag is to be revealed later this week after hundreds of entries into our design competition by primary school pupils across the city.

The lucky winner will receive a £50 prize.

Once the bag has been filled it can be delivered directly to a local toy bank or charity.

Otherwise they can be dropped off to branches of our partners A1 Toys and Storage Vault, including in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Bishopbriggs, Cambuslang and Paisley.

Gary’s plea to join the appeal comes after experiencing his own personal problems.

The comedy star was placed in a hotel in the city centre after becoming homeless earlier this year.

The Sighthill-raised comic was then placed in a Glasgow Housing Association property in Baillieston.

Speaking out at the time, he said: “Due to Covid-19 putting a stop to the shows and my bad finances, I had to give up my flat and go homeless.

“I got sent to the Rennie Mackintosh hotel for four days and it was an absolute experience. I’ve never been surrounded by better people.

“It was like being on holiday with every character form every scheme.”

The dad-of-four is getting back on his feet having already planned to look for a “typical 9-5 job” and the hope of new shows taking place in 2021.

However, the kindness shown to him has saw him urge others to help those who are facing difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic this Christmas.

He said: “I’ve had my own struggles this year like most people, and I was fortunate enough to have strangers reach out to help.

“I’ll never forget that and it’ll be the same for the children who get to open a present on Christmas thanks to this appeal.”