Staff at Bristol-based PR firm JBP won’t be giving each Secret Santa presents this year – instead they will be sending them to the charity, Every Child Needs Christmas which ensures that less fortunate children in the BS postcodes do not go without on 25th December.
Founded by Sara Arshad and a friend over a cup of tea seven years ago, the charity has grown from providing just over 750 gifts in the first year to some 9,000 presents last year.
Said Sara, who last year won the People’s Choice Award at the West of Women of the Year Awards for her work with the charity, said: “Over the course of the last seven years Every Child Needs Christmas has brought incredible joy to some 32,000 children up to the age of 16 and their families.
“It’s fabulous that the charity has grown so quickly. Xmas is a magical time and all children regardless of background should enjoy it.
“We have established excellent relationships with charities, schools, food banks and social services who play Santa and help us distribute the presents to the children. However, we want more to get in touch with us due to the increase in the number of presents we are collecting this year. All presents will find a good home.”
She added: “We have individuals and businesses all kindly donating presents.”
Chris Lawrance, Managing Director at JBP, added: “This is a fantastic cause and we club all the money that we would have spent on our Secret Santa presents and buy gifts for the children instead. It’s that simple and we’d encourage other companies to do the same.”
This year’s Every Child Needs Christmas campaign will culminate with a Big Wrap event in Weston-super-Mare at the Drive Vauxhall Showroom at Aisecome Way on the 6th and 7th December.
Simon Strange, Sales Manager at Drive Vauxhall, commented: “We are delighted to be able to support Every Child Needs Christmas again this year. The Big Wrap has become a main feature in the town’s Christmas calendar, where all the community comes together to give something back to those who are less fortunate.”
Those wishing to give gifts can order via Amazon by the 1st December or deliver presents to Every Child Needs Xmas drop off points across the region by 5th December.
For more information about how you can get involved in Every Child Needs Christmas, please visit the charity’s Facebook page or contact via email: info@ecnc.org.uk