Local family brings Christmas magic

The leading children’s charity’s Secret Santa Appeal tugged the heart strings of people who made it their mission to ensure no child would go without a gift from Santa at Christmas.

The Glasgow family launched their Great Christmas Giveaway this year, as they recognised the pressure that families may have been under after the difficulties of 2020. They invited local people, who were able, to buy extra toys and gifts during their weekly shops this year, and drop off across Coleraine. They then partnered with Action for Children who were able to distribute to families in need in the local area.

Action for Children helps children and young people across Northern Ireland through intervening early with family support and parenting programmes, running SureStart Nurseries, Fostering, Young Carer’s support, youth homelessness support, mental health programmes in schools, and by campaigning tirelessly to make life better for children, young people and their families.

Roger, along with his family, thanked all those who donated in a video on Christmas Eve: “Thanks to everyone who bought and donated over the last six weeks. We set a goal to fill a room, and around 350 families were able to reap the joy of this on Christmas morning.

“Thanks to Action for Children for collecting and distributing these gifts out to those in Northern Ireland who need them the most. We are simply ‘families helping families’.”

Cheryl Brown, Area Fundraising Manager said: “The work that Roger and his family have done this Christmas has been amazing. To have them bringing the spirit of Christmas to their local area and encouraging donation for our Secret Santa appeal has been incredible.”