Stanley Says – Mission Christmas

Today marked the return of our annual SERE Christmas jumper day. Staff from our Belfast and Lisburn sites donned their festive knitwear to this year help raise money for Cash for Kids NI’s Mission Christmas appeal.

The Mission Christmas appeal helps keep the Christmas dream alive for local children all over Northern Ireland and last year the charity made Christmas special for over 13,361 children.

It is very upsetting to read that almost 1 in 4 children live in poverty across NI and so many wake up with nothing on Christmas morning.

All money raised from our Christmas jumper day today will go towards helping disadvantaged children who would otherwise, through absolutely no fault of their own, wake up with nothing this Christmas.

Over the last few weeks, SERE staff have also been donating gifts to the Mission Christmas appeal.  The charity needs new and unwrapped toys for ages 0-18 years old and gifts can vary from baby books and board games to jewellery kits, sports equipment or techy toys. 

Staff have really enjoyed buying gifts for young people of all ages and many have involved their own children to help choose the toys to support those in need. 

Some quotes from parents/carers with children who were supported in 2016:

"Having these toys to give to my children ensured that I did not feel like a bad mother.  I don't feel  inadequate anymore.  I know after the years of abuse it's hard to believe but I had actually considered going back because I had nothing for my children this Christmas but this has changed everything."

"It brought tears to my eyes receiving these and it shows that people in the community really care.  Thank you so much - it means the world to me."

"Thank you so much - the toys mean so much to me and the kids this year.  I was really struggling to get everything in and now I can put my money towards the food instead."

You can also make Christmas special for so many local children by donating a toy or present to the appeal - click here for more info and to find your nearest drop-off point or make a £5 cash donation to Cash for Kids NI by texting FIVE to 70808.