The organisers behind CoolFM and Downtown Radio’sCash for Kids ‘Mission Christmas’ appeal are determined that Covid-19 won’t stop them in their bid to help thousands of children across NI who would otherwise go without a present.
A team of charity workers and volunteers have been working behind the scenes to launch this year’s Mission Christmas appeal, developing plans and implementing a raft of measures to ensure the donation process is totally Covid-secure.
This means there will be a reduced number of donation points at leading NI retailers and anyone who wants to help but is unable to visit a drop-off point can still donate at coolfm.co.uk/mission.
Last year, the good will of the NI public meant £576,000 worth of presents were handed out to 13,360 local children, and the Mission Christmas team is hopeful the same can be achieved in 2020.
For Lauren Baxter, Charity Manager for Cash for Kids NI, the biggest challenge was to find a way to continue helping local families, while ensuring team members and volunteers remain safe.
“The impact Coronavirus has had on vulnerable families has been profound, so our 2020 appeal is arguably more important than ever before. It’s been amazing seeing everyone pull together and come up with innovative solutions to ensure that – once again – every child in Northern Ireland wakes up to a present on Christmas Day.
“We’d urge everyone to do their bit, either through gift drop-offs or cash donations, and let’s end 2020 on a positive note. Please don’t delay and donate today.
The charity has launched its 2020 Mission Christmas appeal with help from the Cool FM Breakfast Show’s Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross, and longstanding supporter of the appeal, retailer Harry Corry.
Harry Corry Marketing Manager, Mark Corry, says: “Thank-you to all of our customers who have supported Mission Christmas instore over the years. Despite the challenges that Covid-19 presents, I am confident that this year the generosity of the NI public will once again shine through.
“Whether it’s some items to cheer up a teenager’s bedroom, some sports gear or a toy for a younger child, each of the donations left at any of our 18 stores will make a real difference to a young person on Christmas Day. That is why we are delighted to be able to partner with Cash for Kids NI again this year to support the collection and delivery of donated gifts.”
For further information on drop-off locations in Northern Ireland, or gift inspiration, please visit the Cash for Kids website (
). Those who are unable to donate in a shop can still support the appeal by donating online (above) or by texting the word GIFT to 70905 to give £5 or 70910 to give £10 or 70920 to give £20 (text donate T&Cs at (www.cashforkids.uk.com/textline)