Cash for Kids, Northern Ireland’s largest gift appeal received an early festive boost following a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Edward, to the charity’s Mission Christmas headquarters in Belfast.
With 1 in 4 children now living in poverty, the charity is working round the clock to ensure no child in Northern Ireland wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning.
Prince Edward visited as the Mission Christmas appeal enters its final week for people deliver their gifts and cash donations.
And with requests and applications for gifts hitting an all-time high, Prince Edward’s interest in the charity and the team of volunteers who make the magic happen, was a welcome boost.
Claire McGimpsey, Charity Manager, Cash for Kids NI was delighted to take Prince Edward on a tour of Mission Christmas HQ and explain what’s involved in the collection, sorting and distribution process.
“We’re over the moon that Prince Edward is so interested in our important campaign and appreciated the chance to help him better understand how Cash for Kids can be transformative for so many children and young people at Christmas.
“We’re now on our final countdown, and his involvement will give the charity a much-needed boost as we strive to reach our target of supporting the 18,000+ children who are living in poverty across our local communities.”
Sally Aitchison MBE, Managing Director of Cash for Kids added: “This has been a very special day for all involved in Mission Christmas, and is a great tribute to the work of the charity, our donors, sponsors, and amazing volunteers.
“Processing and administering gifts for 18,000 children requires a huge team effort and we thank HRH Prince Edward for showing his support and thanking our team who make Christmas magical for so many.”
Hazelwood Integrated College in North Belfast is one of the schools which benefits from the Cash for Kids donations.
Collecting gifts which will be opened by some of their pupils on Christmas morning, Alix Jackson, Vice Principal of Hazelwood Integrated College, said: “Over the years many of our pupils have benefited from Cash for Kids and we applaud everyone who works tirelessly to make this great initiative happen, and also the general public and business community for their generosity and ongoing support. It’s been a very special day.”
With an urgent need for gifts, and particularly for 0-3 year olds, those wanting to donate can:
Take gifts to a drop-off point – simply head to coolfm.co.uk/mission and enter your postcode to find your closest drop-off point.
- Buy a gift online at coolfm.co.uk/mission and it will be delivered straight to the Mission Christmas warehouse
- Make a cash donation at coolfm.co.uk/mission and Cash for Kids will buy a gift on your behalf