Christmas cheer is spreading through NSPCC Cymru in Cardiff, thanks to a donation of gifts from a local company for the children and young people the charity supports.
Casey Wozencroft from Development Bank of Wales has organised the festive donations for the last three years, with staff members buying gifts to donate to children or young people being supported by NSPCC Cymru through the direct services delivered from its Cardiff base.
The charity’s Protect & Respect service provides support to young people who may be at risk of, or experiencing, exploitation, whilst its In Ctrl programme aims to prevent online sexual abuse and help keep children and young people safe online.
Casey says: “It’s been such a difficult year for many families which is why all of my colleagues at the Development Bank are so pleased to have continued our support for the NSPCC.
“Once again, we have pulled together to collect festive gifts and do what we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We’re big supporters of the NSPCC in Wales and are really proud to be able to make a difference to the children and young people who need our help. We wish them all a very happy Christmas.”
Children’s Service Practitioner at NSPCC Cymru, Rhiannon Hulbert says: “All the staff at our Cardiff service centre are always astounded by the generosity of the Development Bank of Wales. They have donated many gorgeous presents that the children and young people will enjoy this Christmas.
“We are extremely grateful for their continued support and for sharing some Christmas cheer after what’s been a difficult year for many families.”
Due to the pandemic, children and young people across Wales have faced many challenges in addition to those they may have already been facing. To help raise awareness and remind everyone the NSPCC remains here over the Christmas period and beyond, iconic buildings have been turning the charity’s trademark green in support of its Christmas Appeal.
The Appeal was launched because the health crisis is threatening to make this Christmas even tougher for children suffering from abuse up and down the country. Cardiff Castle and Cardiff City Hall are among more than 60 prominent buildings UK-wide to illuminate green in December to highlight how the NSPCC continues to protect children from abuse, supporting them when they feel like they have nowhere else to turn.
The charity is asking for members of the public to donate £20, if they can, to help services like Childline be here for children this Christmas so that children have someone to hear their troubles at a time of year when it’s all too easy to feel isolated.
The children’s charity also has plenty of fundraising events for families to take part in, including its Walk for Children, to help children and young people in their darkest times.
Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Cymru, Julie Richards added: “Christmas can be a really difficult time for some children in our communities, and the donation of gifts from the Development Bank of Wales is just a really wonderful example of how people are thinking of others at this time.
“Children need to know that we’re here for them, even on the darkest days, which is why we’d love people to join us and walk for every childhood.
“December 21 is the longest night of the year and fundraisers and families up and down the country will be walking 5km – either outdoors in accordance with local guidelines, or virtually – to support the NSPCC.
“If that date is not good, fundraisers can complete the challenge whenever it suits them, jogging or running rather than walking should they wish. They could even slip on a festive costume, if they’re feeling particularly Christmassy!”
To find out more about how you can get involved in the NSPCC’s Walk for Children and sign up this December visit the charity’s website.
Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 from 7.30am to midnight from Monday to Friday or 9am to midnight on weekends. Or they can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk.
