Secret Santa for vulnerable Children

Hello everyone...

If you have clicked this link, then you have ended up here off the back of me sharing this appeal around multiple social channels.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Dale and in 2019 I decided to ditch Christmas gifts for family and friends (main reason being I cannot stand spending weeks figuring out the perfect gift for someone only for it to go in the back of the wardrobe).

Instead, I decided I would put the time and effort that would have gone into shopping for weeks on end and instead and put it towards helping those less fortunate over the festive period. When I spoke about what I was doing with family, friends, and colleagues, there was a huge interest from people wanting to support my efforts.

What started off as a hobby, soon turned into something much bigger and has now turned into an annual appeal, giving myself and others a way to give back over the festive period, each year being bigger, better, and more successful than previous.

None of it, however, is possible without the generosity and collective effort from everyone else. Last year (Christmas 2023) was by far the most successful the appeal has been. After spending months of collecting donations from people, sharing my appeal around social media, reaching out to corporate business' and spending every bit of spare cash I had on gifts, I managed to gift over three hundred less fortunate children around the Northeast region a Christmas gift.

Last year I raised just over £500 in cash and was able to collate a list of most desired items and essentials along with copies of young children’s Christmas lists from local charities, hospitals, and social care workers. I was then able to do a huge shopping spree around and purchase at least one item off each list and deliver the presents to the likes of Children’s Wards at the RVI hospital, Local Head Teachers to gift that one child who doesn’t have much and even Children who are in temporary foster care going through the transition of going to another family through tragic circumstances.

Not only is the appeal a fantastic way to give back over the festive period, but the response from the less fortunate children themselves who receive these gifts, really is unmatched.

So, I have made it my personal goal to make this year’s appeal the biggest yet, starting a little earlier than usual, I will be appealing from now up until mid-December 2024 for any donation at all. Whether it be 50p or £50, I cannot stress enough how much each tiny donation adds up resulting in being able to purchase more.

Not only is this just a cash appeal to buy the presents, but even if you wanted to go out and buy your own gift, that’s also much appreciated, all I ask is that whatever donation you can give, that it be brand new, in the original packaging and in cellophane unopened, these gifts go to real Children wishing for a present on Christmas morning so although this may sound like a good way to clear out and donate all of your unwanted items, please be mindful that these gifts are often the only present the child receives hence the reason I ask for it to be brand new and unopened.

Most people donate to the fund and then the gifts are bought in bulk but if you do prefer to buy it yourself, then please drop me a message and I can come and collect on either an evening or weekend.

I’m more than aware the cost-of-living crisis is still very much at its peak so if you are not able to donate, please can I ask you share this appeal on your social channels, with families, friends, and colleagues to increase engagement.

If anyone has any questions regarding this appeal, collection arrangements or suggested gift list for Children, please reach out to me direct and I can send you a list with age brackets and desired items.

Note: All receipts are kept on record of all items purchased with any crowdfunding.

If you have read this far without leaving, thank you! I cannot wait to make an even bigger success of this appeal and share with you all the amazing efforts in December.

Thank you for your support and have a lovely Christmas

Best wishes,

Dale