The Giving Tree Christmas 2011

It is hard to believe that after 120 years as the regions very own children’s charity we still see so many North East parents struggle to provide even the basic needs for their families. On behalf of the children, young people and families who Children North East supports, we would like to thank you for your very generous donations which helped to change so many lives during Christmas time 2011.

Originally Children North East’s Giving Tree Appeal helped to ease the pressures during difficult and constraining times by providing toys for children at Christmas time. Over the years the toys have brought so much pleasure to many who would receive little or nothing on Christmas morning – a time which should be happy for every child. This year we are very pleased to have been able to provide a huge volume of gifts because of the enormous generosity of this region.

The need to support through donations of food has become increasingly apparent and the past few years have really highlighted this issue as many family budgets become unable to stretch during to the long school holiday breaks. The food parcel and shopping voucher donations this year have helped alleviate worries for so many families this Christmas.

Donations of money gratefully received through our Christmas Appeal will enable our caring support to carry on into 2012 and the fantastic ‘one off’ experiences donated by local businesses have had a big impact on the beneficiaries. Panto outings, Ice Skating treats, Cinema tickets and more will leave lasting and happy memories with the children and families long after the Christmas decorations have been taken down and stored away.

Children North East started its life as The Poor Children’s Holiday Association in 1891 when 120 children set sail from the banks of the Tyne to enjoy a day of fresh air aimed at ‘curing’ them of their ‘ails’. We have come such a long way since then and this would not have been achievable without the very generous support of the people in this region who have helped us to carry on our vital work.

In these very difficult times for so many people, we really do appreciate your valuable and loyal support and thank you once again for making a difference to a local child’s life.

We extend our thanks to all of our very generous and loyal supporters, including:

  • AAF Ltd
  • Arco
  • ASDA
  • Aspire
  • Bill & Grace Aherne
  • Church High School
  • Congregation of Trinity Church, Gosforth
  • Curves
  • Derwentside College
  • DFDS Seaways
  • Durham University
  • East Boldon Infant School
  • Eversheds
  • Gateshead College
  • GB Building Solutions Ltd.
  • Greggs
  • Haines Watts
  • HMRC
  • Irwin Mitchell
  • Jasper's
  • John Lewis
  • Major Law
  • Northumbria University
  • OOBE
  • Orange
  • P James Construction
  • Pricewaterhouse Cooper LLP
  • Ravenswood Primary School
  • RGS
  • Robertson Construction
  • Star Radio
  • Storey SSP
  • The Listening Co
  • The Peoples Postcode Lottery
  • Tesco Bank
  • Travelcare, Blyth
  • Walbottle Campus
  • Ward Hadaway
  • Whitley Bay High
  • Xsite
  • Yuill Homes

Click here to read some comments received following the distribution of your gifts and donations