Mission Christmas : Together, we can make a difference

The lights are on, the stage was star-studded, and the fireworks were released – Christmas in Perth is officially launched!

If you’re anything like us, the present buying and gift-wrapping is all part of the warm fuzzy feeling that comes along at this time of year.  However, all too often we can get caught up in the excesses of the season and forget that there is an entire population of children who, for one reason or another, won’t be wakening up to gift-laden sofas and this year’s must-have toy.

In Perthshire and wider Tayside, Cash For Kids has been operating via Radio Tay for over 25 years and last year they supported over 5000 children during their annual Mission Christmas campaign. These are kids who have been identified by health professionals as living in poverty and without the support of this amazing charity, they may not have woke up with any Christmas presents.

This year we wanted to do something entirely different and so we decided to harness the hustle and bustle of St John’s to spread some Christmas magic.This year, St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth City Centre has sponsored the campaign and is the main drop off point for this heart-warming mission.  They have traded their usual grotto for a gift sleigh, and instead of charging mums and dads to take their wee ones for yet another pressie from Santa, they are inviting people from across the area to drop off a gift for a child who otherwise may go without.

Derek Martin of St John’s Shopping Centre commented:

“This year we wanted to do something entirely different and so we decided to harness the hustle and bustle of St John’s to spread some Christmas magic.  Mission Christmas is an amazing campaign and we are proud and privileged to be partnering Cash For Kids in this worthwhile appeal.

We will be working with the retailers within the shopping centre to give shoppers ideas and inspiration for gifts from as little as £5 for different age groups. Look out for the Gift Idea Posters that will be displayed in the mall.”

Carly Cargill at Cash For Kids for Radio Tay told us:

“Without the donations of our amazing supports throughout the months of November/December this would not have been possible. We work tirelessly around the clock making sure these kids have the same festive fun as other children.

The gifts that are in particularly short supply are those for babies from birth age, and for teenagers and children aged between 12- 18. However, all gifts are very important and any donation is greatly appreciated.”

If you would like to donate a gift, you can drop off your gift to St John's Shopping Centre in Perth City Centre from Saturday 24th November to Sunday 16th December. Their helpful Christmas elves will then make sure that your presents make their way to a child in need this Christmas.  They will also make sure that any children handing in a present will be gifted with a special sticker to say thank-you.

GALLERY 

About Cash For Kids and Mission Christmas

Cash for Kids is part of Bauer Radio’s network of local charities, which operate across 22 areas around the UK.  Their mission is to respond to the needs of children in our communities, and aspire to enable all children to live life to the full and achieve their individual potential.

Each Cash for Kids charity is established to channel the caring of the local community into the welfare of their own youngsters. The compnay uses the power of their local radio brands – Radio Tay in Tayside - to deliver initiatives for sick and underprivileged children in their communities, to benefit local children and give the most disadvantaged a better and brighter future.

Every year they raise millions of pounds for local children and young people who are suffering from abuse or neglect, who are disabled and have special needs or who simply need extra care or guidance.