A mother and daughter duo are calling on the Pinner community to join their mission to provide children in care with a gift this Christmas.
Fifteen years ago, Leila Rock spent Christmas in hospital. Her mum Babs was struck by the kind and empathetic NHS staff and was greatly touched when gifts were handed out to young patients to brighten their day.
Some years later, from the comfort of her own home and with presents around the tree, Babs reflected on the charity gift her daughter had received and how it had raised her spirits.
Babs said: “I decided to start a Christmas collection. I really felt like I had the opportunity to help others enjoy Christmas and show that someone cared enough to give them a gift. For a couple of years, I was too busy at work to do it myself, so my amazing daughter took the reins and ran it all by herself.”
The pair have so far managed to collect and donate more than 2,000 gifts to children in care through various channels.
Babs said: “None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for my amazing family, friends and the incredibly generous Pinner community who provide the presents.”
This year, Babs and Leila have made an Amazon wish list to make it easier for people to help. More than 150 people have already donated.
Babs said: “I work for the Met Police who have been completely supportive, even allowing me to store presents at a local police station. I strongly feel that these two things share so many values about helping others in need. That is why one of the organisations I have decided we should help is the Met Christmas Tree Appeal.”
This annual appeal encourages the public to donate Christmas presents which will be distributed to vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
View the Amazon wish list and buy a present for a child in need here.
0 Comments