Children facing hardship to receive Christmas presents thanks to generosity of Highland folk who made a 'miracle' happen
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Thousands of children facing hardship in the north of Scotland will have presents to open on Christmas Day thanks to the generosity of Highland folk who made a ‘miracle’ happen.
It follows the public’s response to Mission Christmas run by MFR Cash for Kids which aims to ensure all children in its area can celebrate the festive occasion.
With the cost-of-living crisis impacting many people, not only have there been more applications on behalf of financially-squeezed families this year, it has also been more of a challenge to reach the number of gifts required.
But following a final push this week, the public responded with gifts and donations enabling the charity and its volunteers to pack sufficient number of sacks.
With the final figures set to be announced today, there has been a rise in applications from the radio station’s area which covers the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Cash for Kids corporate fundraiser Allana Stables has worked on the appeal for eight years and said this year’s Mission Christmas has been the toughest yet.
“We just want to make sure every child wakes up with a smile on Christmas morning,” she said.
“This year is the first time in eight years we have genuinely struggled.
“It’s a sign of the times and evident how much everyone is really feeling the pinch right now.
“People have not been able to give donations.”
With days to go to Christmas and more than 1700 sacks still to be filled, she felt a miracle was needed.
But thanks to a last-minute overwhelming response, the public delivered.
“We got there,” Mrs Stables said. “It is testament to what a wonderful area we live in.
“The local community pulled together to make a miracle happen.”
Families who are being supported range from a family who had lost a lot in a house fire to children who have lost a parent.
“A lot of the families we support are families who have supported us in the past,” Mrs Stables said.
“There has definitely been an increase in the number from usual.”
Applications are referred by a range of service providers and organisations such as schools, social workers, charities, citizens advice bureaux and women’s aid branches.
In addition to the Mission Appeal, Cash for Kids is also dealing with emergency applications from service providers including schools for children who are experiencing food and fuel poverty, do not have warm winter clothing and other essential items.
“I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and to our volunteers who go above and beyond,” Mrs Stables said.
“Without the support of the public and volunteers, we would not be able to operate.”
