Northsound Radio's Cash for Kids charity has launched its annual Mission Christmas appeal in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, encouraging listeners and locals to buy one extra gift to help thousands of children across the region.
The largest Christmas toy appeal in the region, proudly supported by The Orthodontic Clinic, Mission Christmas is an annual campaign run by charity Cash for Kids.
In 2023 Mission Christmas supported 5,850 local children so that they were able to open a gift on the big day.
Due to the cost-of-living crisis, the charity is anticipating its highest level of demand for support ever. This year across North-east Scotland it has already received applications on behalf of 4,355 children.
Jamie Smith, charity manager said: "This year we have seen a surge in applications across all of our granting and appeals.
"This campaign is no different, as we launch the campaign we have over 4,000 applications. This is over 1,000 more than in 2023 and sets the tone for the next few weeks.
"More and more families need our help and so far our supporters have been amazing, making it possible to support those in need.
"We are also very grateful to have the support of The Orthodontic Clinic again this year, without their support this campaign would not reach as many people as it does.
"Once again we know that all of our supporters will pull through to support Mission Christmas. We truly are on another huge mission this Christmas!"
Dr Lisa Currie, The Orthodontic Clinic, said: "We are thrilled to once again sponsor Cash for Kids Mission Christmas.
"The campaign is very dear to our hearts, we take pride in contributing to our community and working with Cash for Kids each year allows us to see the difference that is made to every family supported.
"Each year we get our whole team involved in supporting the mission and we absolutely love going out all together and getting gifts for the children.
"Supporting the campaign doesn’t just bring us together as a team every year, we see it bring together everyone across the North-east of Scotland. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this magical campaign?"
Supporters of the campaign can take their gifts to over 100 drop-off points near them, including local B&M stores. Simply head to https://hellorayo.co.uk/northsound/charity/events/mission-christmas-2024-north-east-scotland/ and enter your postcode to find the drop-off point closest to you.
Supporters can also buy a gift online which will be delivered directly to the purchaser’s nearest Mission HQ for no delivery fee. Just head to https://hellorayo.co.uk/northsound/charity/events/mission-christmas-2024-north-east-scotland/ to browse the gift list.
Cash for Kids supports children and young people (0 – 18 years) affected by poverty, neglect, abuse, illness and who have additional support needs.
Throughout the Mission Christmas campaign, organisations, along with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.
For further details, including information on how to get involved or make a donation, please visit https://hellorayo.co.uk/northsound/charity/events/mission-christmas-2024-north-east-scotland/