Referrals flood in for Winter Toy Appeal
A foundation helping survivors of torture, human trafficking and other human rights abuses is among those distributing toys from this year’s Winter Toy Appeal.
The Appeal, which is run by the Local Buyers Club, collects new toys for thousands of children experiencing extreme poverty each Christmas, taking referrals from more than 40 local agencies.
Organiser Jenna Fansa said: “This year has been harder than ever for families experiencing poverty and the pandemic means many more are enduring hardship. This Appeal sees communities pulling together to buy new gifts so parents and carers who are struggling to make ends meet have something special to give their children on Christmas Day.
“The toys go to families fleeing domestic violence, living in cramped hostels often miles from family and friends, to refugees with no recourse to public funds, people relying on food banks and to parents who have lost their jobs and face a lengthy wait for Universal Credit. We urgently need more donations if we’re to reach every child referred to us.”
Zoe Dexter, Welfare and Housing Manager at the Helen Bamber Foundation said: "A huge thank you to the Local Buyers Club and their followers for providing presents to families we support during this time. The Helen Bamber Foundation supports survivors of torture and human trafficking who live in very precarious situations without enough money to meet their needs. It has been a rough year for many people, but for families living with so little, a present to give their children at Christmas has been amazing news for many parents and a very meaningful gift to receive from their communities."
This year all of the money donated via the Winter Toy Appeal’s Go Fund Me page is being used to buy toys for the Appeal from independent toy shops. People can also donate via an online wish list.
The last day to donate is December 8th but appeal organisers are keen to get toys out to agencies as soon as possible.
Last year’s appeal reached over 4,000 children in North and East London.
To find out more visit www.wintertoyappeal.com
The Local Buyers Club is donating £10 to the Toy Appeal for every new member who signs up using the code TOYAPPEAL10.(Membership is £12 a year, Click here to join).
Every year the appeal is supported by Location Location estate agency, who donate generously and help organise. A small army of local supporters also volunteer their time to leaflet and fundraise.
Click here to read more about the appeal.
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