Masses of toys and gifts will brighten up Christmas for hundreds of households after Portsmouth City Council’s biggest ever festive appeal.
This year’s call for donations had an incredible response from council suppliers, who came together with council staff to donate hundreds and hundreds of items.
The piles of gifts include family games, children’s books, toys, teddies and sweets as well as everyday essentials that households need.
The council is this year working with six local community organisations, who have collected the gifts and will be giving them to some of the city’s most in need families and individuals.
As part of this year’s appeal, a sleigh was set up inside Lakeside North Harbour for businesses based there to donate.
Cllr Chris Attwell, Cabinet Member for Central Services, said:
“We are totally blown away by the generosity of businesses we work with and our own council staff.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, for helping to make Christmas brighter for many, many Portsmouth children and households.
“Our Christmas appeal is just one of the many ways we work with suppliers to deliver social impact and give back to our communities.”
The Parenting Network is one the local groups delivering the gifts to families.
Matt Foster, Founder and CEO said:
“This appeal means so much to the families we support. These gifts will form part of a toy shop at The Parenting Network. For parents, being able to choose and wrap a gift for their own child restores dignity, hope and a sense of being a parent first, not just someone in need.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity shown across the city, many children in Portsmouth will wake up to joy, excitement and feeling remembered this Christmas.”
The six local groups delivering the gifts are:
HAVEN – a partnership between Harbour Church, Portsmouth City of Sanctuary and Medaille Trust supporting women who have experienced violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation, or involvement in sex work.
• URBOND – a community organisation focused on youth development and integration.
• The Parenting Network – who provide free, vital services to parents and families across South Hampshire at every stage.
• Buckland Soup Kitchen – supporting homeless people in Portsmouth.
• Spark Community Space – helping those who feel left out or left behind to reconnect and heal through community.
• Seekers Create – A creative social enterprise fostering meaningful community connections.
The list of those that donated to this year’s appeal include:
E-Tec Electrical Limited
Tate Electrical Services Ltd
D M Habens The Builder Limited
Avison Young Ltd alongside businesses located at Lakeside North Harbour Business Park
Ahmarra Door Solutions Limited
Chapter 8 TM Limited
Portsmouth City Council staff
BQS Management Services
Balfour Beatty
Hi-Way Services Ltd