Two Lancashire business centres launch appeal to bring a smile to young people’s faces this Christmas.
Cotton Court Business Centre are partnering with the Landmark in Burnley to invite members of their local communities to come to the aid of disadvantaged young people across the county.
The appeal asks businesses and members of the public alike to spare a thought for disadvantaged young people in their area this Christmas. In previous years, the appeals have been a huge success, and supporters rallied around to donate gifts that can be opened on Christmas Day. This year, due to Covid 19, the appeal will be run slightly differently. The business centres are asking people to make an online financial donation so that Barnardo’s Lancashire Services staff can purchase gifts for all of the young people they look after, in time for Christmas. The Just Giving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barnardoslancschristmascollection
The target for this year is to be able to buy gifts for the 350 young people that Barnardo’s support across Lancashire. Everyone’s finances have been put under pressure this year so it would be really great even if people can donate just a little (or a lot if you can!) and anyone that donates will receive a certificate.
The appeal has gone from strength to strength and is now in its eighth year, but unfortunately, as momentum for the cause grows, so too has demand. 2020 has been a difficult year for many, so the campaign is being pushed especially hard, to make sure that no Barnardo’s supported young person is left without a present to open on Christmas Day.
Cotton Court Managing Director Robert Binns said:
“2020 has been a tough year for a lot of people, but for children and young people that are vulnerable, life is now even harder. This year, more than ever, we’d really like everyone to come together to show that we care. Every year we are blown away by the support and generosity that the community show towards the appeal. The number of people that get involved is always astounding and we hope that this year will be no exception!”
Liz Wilkinson. General Manager of The Landmark, added:
“Sadly, we know that this will be a really tough Christmas for many local families as many have suffered job losses and reduced income due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. By donating this year you can help us to remind families facing a tough winter that their community cares.”
Debbie Nolan Plunkett, Barnardo’s Assistant Director of Children’s Services, talks about how the Christmas appeal has helped in previous years:
“The support which Cotton Court has given has enabled many children,young people and families to have a brighter Christmas. Watching faces light up when presents are delivered is one of the greatest joys that our staff experience and the difference these gifts makes to a lonely teenager living in supported accommodation or in their own flats/houses or families struggling financially is almost beyond words.
We work with over 350 children in Lancashire including children with disabilities, children in care, care leavers and young carers and it is such a blessing to have Cotton Court and this year The Landmark leading the appeal to ensure that no child or young person known to us go without a present this Christmas. Covid 19 has caused so much anxiety and stress for children, young people and families and making this Christmas count feel more important than any year previously. We really are grateful to all businesses and individuals who contribute to make a real difference in a child’s life”
The money raised on this Just Giving page will be used by the Lancashire Services staff who work and personally know these young people so they can buy them at least one gift especially for them.
The appeal launches on Monday 23rd November and closes on Monday 14th December.
