With 1 in 4 children across the UK living in poverty this December*, for many families, Christmas is simply a luxury they can’t afford. And sadly some children in Leeds and West Yorkshire will go without a present full stop.
Which is why, every year the Cash For Kids ‘Mission Christmas’ appeal invites people to buy one extra gift alongside their Christmas shopping, that can be given to a disadvantaged local child to make their Christmas morning special.
Mission Christmas is now the biggest Toy Appeal in the UK. In 2016 it generated over £15million worth of gifts and donations which were distributed to more than 350,000 disadvantaged kids across the UK – with 23,396 of recipients in West Yorkshire.
This week Radio Aire launched the 2017 Mission Christmas appeal across our region, aiming to beat last year’s fundraising total and helping to support as many children as possible from Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Caroline and Ant from Radio Aire’s Breakfast show said: “Mission Christmas is a brilliant way for people to act in the true spirit of the season and give a little something to disadvantaged young people who really do deserve it”
“What was achieved by our generous listeners last year was truly amazing and I know we can do even better this year. We’ve got kids and the thought of them not getting something on Christmas morning is heartbreaking. Even one child living in poverty is too many but with thousands in Leeds and West Yorkshire in that position Mission Christmas gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference”
Radio Aire need as many people as possible to take part, to make this the best year yet for disadvantaged families in our region. To help you simply need to:
Cash for kids works with thousands of grass-root organisations across the UK who support disadvantaged children (0 – 18 years). Mission Christmas works closely with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who will nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.
Mission Christmas is proudly supported by B&M and hundreds of volunteers who assist with the sorting and distribution of gifts.
For further details, including information on how to get involved or make a donation, please visit http://www.radioaire.co.uk/mission.
You can also follow Mission Christmas on Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids Facebook Page.
**Watch this space for how Mumbler will be supporting this year’s appeal**
*Source – Save the Children. Definition of child poverty is living in a house with no central heating and going to bed at night without a hot meal.
