The countdown is on to ensure not a single child will go without a Christmas present this year by urging everyone to become a Secret Santa.
Cash for Kids, the charity led by Cool FM, Downtown and Downtown Country, is calling for individuals and companies to donate a gift and help make Christmas special for thousands of disadvantaged children across NI.
With the six-week countdown underway, Cash for Kids today (15 Nov) launched its 2021 Mission Christmas appeal – supported by the Cool FM Breakfast Show’s Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney, Paulo Ross, and long-standing appeal sponsor, retailer Harry Corry.
Last year, the generosity and support of the NI public and businesses meant that Covid didn’t kill Christmas, with over £324,000 worth of presents handed out to nearly 9500 local children. For 2021, the Mission Christmas team is aiming higher still by encouraging everyone to tap into their inner Secret Santa in the true spirit of Christmas.
Cash for Kids Charity Manager, Lauren Baxter, explains: “Northern Ireland’s generosity of spirit is simply amazing – and we’re hoping the ‘Secret Santa’ mentality will thrive again this year, helping us meet all of the gift applications we receive.
“Every single donation is welcome but as the requests for support continue to rise, it’s increasingly difficult to ensure all age groups are catered for, particularly teenagers and babies. To tackle this, we also welcome cash donations which will let us buy items such as baby toys, baby clothes, sports gear, beauty products, tech items and games so no-one misses out on a gift they genuinely need.”
The main collection points for gift donations are each of the 18 Harry Corry stores across NI. A full list of all drop-off points are listed on the Cash for Kids website.
Applauding the NI public for their continued support, Mark Corry, Marketing Manager of Harry Corry, added: “Thank you to all who have continued to support us, especially last year, when times were tough. I’m confident that 2021 will be no different when it comes to the generosity of the NI public and business community.
“Every single gift or cash donation left at our 18 stores will make a real difference to a young person on Christmas Day. That’s why we’re delighted to once again partner with Cash for Kids and help bring out the Secret Santa in everyone.”
The Mission Christmas team is also appealing for local businesses to volunteer the services of their employees to help sort the gifts in the warehouse, potentially using the opportunity for team building or as part of a CSR initiative.
For further information on drop-off locations in Northern Ireland or gift inspiration, please visit the Cash for Kids website (www.coolfm.co.uk/Mission). Those who don’t have time to shop can still support the appeal by texting the word GIFT to 70905 to give £5 or 70910 to give £10 or 70920 to give £20 or 70930 to give £30 (text donate T&Cs at www.cashforkids.uk.com/textline)
