The kind generosity of Wearside and the surrounding areas has led to over eight hundred children across the North East having a happier Christmas.
Last year over £50,000 of new toys and gifts were collected – and this year’s appeal smashed that total raising over £70,000 worth of donations - Thank you.
Toys and gifts donated from the public and businesses have been distributed to hospitals, hostels and hospices to help terminally ill children, less fortunate youngsters from deprived backgrounds and their families enjoy the festive season.
Sun FM listeners were urged once again to donate and give towards making Christmas extra special for all our children in the local area.
Presents were dropped off at our official partners The Bridges Shopping Centre, Wearside Orthodontics and Caterpillar Peterlee.
They were then collected and distributed to children across our area by our friends at the Sunderland Salvation Army – Sunderland branch.
Managing Director of Sun FM, Julian Carter says: ‘’Sometimes it is only when you have children yourself that you understand how critical it is to help others to have a better Christmas than they would have done. We are proud to support Wearside children who are in need a moment of happiness during the festive period.’’
Samantha Czwordon-Wright, Marketing Manager at the Bridges, says: “In my time at the Bridges this is our 4th toy appeal and it’s one of those where we say yes to it every year as it’s a no brainer, it’s a campaign that’s so unbelievably worthwhile. A staggering 23 per cent of Sunderland’s population lives in poverty … and I think every child deserves a lovely Christmas.”
Chris Fairs, Human Resources Manager for Caterpillar Peterlee, says: “Caterpillar Peterlee are the global supplier of Caterpillar articulated trucks, and we build them from plate to gate in Peterlee with over 1,000 workers. We help our customers to change the world and we want to help change children's worlds this Christmas across Wearside and the North East.…”
Principal orthodontist at Wearside Orthodontics, Simon Lovel says: “Here at Wearside Orthodontic Centre we like to put smiles on children’s faces especially at this time of year, so we are again proudly supporting the Sun FM toy appeal which we think is a fabulously worthwhile cause.”