Hello BW, On behalf of the children, young people and families which Children North East supports, we would like to thank you for your very generous donations which helped to change so many lives this festive season. In addition the valuable funds raised by colleagues will be added to our Christmas Appeal and will help support our work throughout the year.
Our 2016 Giving Tree Appeal received an overwhelming amount of gifts, toys and food, all very much appreciated by families in need who would have otherwise struggled to provide for Christmas. In addition, gift voucher donations have helped to ease the pressures during the Christmas period and in the months to come. Feeding families is also still very much needed as the long school holidays takes its toll on children who cannot access breakfast clubs and free school meals so food donations we received have been a lifeline to them.
Children North East celebrated our 125th anniversary during 2016 so our main request for Christmas gifts was for traditional games, puzzles and activities we could distribute to our families to encourage good parenting within their home setting. Adding into skills and learning from the intensive Families United sessions our Families & Parenting service regularly organises, these fun gifts have so much more meaning and help create a stronger bond between parent and child.
During 2015/2016 Children North East made a difference to 6679 children and young people and we directly helped 546 families and 702 parents. This year we wanted to provide good memories of family time for both parents and children that many of us take for granted and with your help we have been able to achieve this.
Your on going support is really appreciated and needed to help us continue our work and we wish you a very happy and healthy New Year.
With many thanks and very kind regards from us all
Carol Taylor
Senior Fundraiser