Big-hearted Leeds helpers wrap gifts for Mission Christmas toy appeal

Mission Christmas Appeal at Radio Aire, Leeds. Lisa Sullivan is pictured parents and children helping with the appeal..17th November 2018 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

A team of more than 20 employees from Foresters Financial along with their children offered to lend a hand with Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal.

Foresters Financial has donated baby items to Mission Christmas and the volunteers made up dozens of gift parcels for babies.

Radio Aire launched its annual Yorkshire Evening Post-backed 2018 Mission Christmas appeal during an event at B&M’s Armley store last week.

Mission Christmas Appeal at Radio Aire, Leeds.. The children make the goody bags.17th November 2018 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

The appeal invites people to buy one extra gift to help thousands of disadvantaged children across the county.

Last year the appeal helped 25,553 local children and this year hope to increase that figure to more than 26,000.

Anna Wallace, member development specialist at Foresters Financial, said: “At Foresters Financial we believe in enriching family and community wellbeing.

“Our partnership with Cash for Kids enables our members to give something back through hands-on volunteering.

Mission Christmas Appeal at Radio Aire, Leeds..Mahum-Fatima Khan aged 7 pictured with the goody bags.17th November 2018 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

“Every year we are proud to support Radio Aire’s Mission Christmas appeal by assembling hundreds of gift parcels that bring Christmas magic to disadvantaged children in West Yorkshire. “

Lisa Sullivan, Radio Aire’s charity manager, said: “We are so proud of the partnership with have with Foresters Financial.

“We love meeting their members every year and it’s amazing to see how many gift parcels they assemble, we are so thankful for their support.

“I hope people will continue to dig deep and buy an extra gift this year and donate it to Mission Christmas to help spread the magic of Christmas to all local children.”

Mission Christmas Appeal at Radio Aire, Leeds..17th November 2018 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

Caroline and Ant from Radio Aire’s Breakfast show, said in a joint statement: “Mission Christmas is such an amazing way for people to act in the true spirit of the season and give a little something to disadvantaged young people who really do deserve it.

“Even one child living in poverty is too many, but with thousands in Leeds and West Yorkshire in that position Mission Christmas gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference.

“It’s easy to take part, all you need to do is buy one extra gift before December 18 and hand it in to one of our many collection points.

Or you can text AIRE to 70808 to donate £5 and we will buy a gift on your behalf.”