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The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are once again teaming up with their Family Appeal.
The joint Family Appeal has been helping parents and young people enjoy a brighter Christmas for almost half a century (43 years).
But with the costs of living increasing and one in four children living in poverty, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.
The Family Appeal has benefited from the enormous generosity of the public who have donated thousands of toys in previous years. However, the usual toy collection has been replaced by the opportunity for people to make an online donation.
Colonel Neil Webb, the Salvation Army’s divisional leader, said: "Through our work in communities across Northern Ireland, we are seeing the devastating impact of rising living costs on the families we support. The Family Appeal aims to support those hit hardest.
"We know this year has been difficult for everyone but we ask that people continue to support the Family Appeal and help us make difference this Christmas."
Mary Waide, Regional President for St Vincent de Paul North Region, said: “This year, requests for our help are unprecedented. The stark reality is that families in local communities up and down the country are making impossible choices of whether to put food on the table, heat their homes or put presents under the tree.
“We are grateful for the support the Family Appeal receives each year and we would appreciate your help again this year very much. Protecting the dignity of the most vulnerable is paramount and this virtual appeal will help us give families the gift of choice this Christmas by empowering parents to choose and prioritise how best to make use of your generous donation this winter.”
Your donation, whether it’s £1 to buy a stocking filler or £10 to buy a winter coat, pyjamas or a present for under the tree, will be turned into vouchers for our volunteers to distribute.
Please donate today by visiting www.justgiving.com
