A Newry-based charity who host an annual Christmas appeal are almost ready ready to close off their sponsorship list with over 100 children now catered for.
Caring Coins – started by best friends Kerrie Havern and Yvonne Campbell at Kerrie’s Bessbrook front door in 2020 – has always held that “our community is our responsibility”.
It all began with “a bucket at the front door” using “kitchen tiles as a vision board” and in its five years it has in that time become a cornerstone in its community – now running a “home from home” café, a host of continuous free activities and catering for local families on an ever-growing Christmas list.
Related: From cafe clubs to Christmas, Newry’s Caring Coins continue to cost-effectively cater for community
Last year, Armagh I spoke with Kerrie and Yvonne who had – at the time – 92 families on their incoming Christmas list. And while 92 was already an overwhelming total, they were sure there would be more.
This year, the list has grown yet again to 157 families and the Caring Coins team have pulled out all the stops to ensure that none have to go without.
To provide for each and every family, the charity were faced with the mammoth task of raising £24,660.
They curated a Christmas Appeal list with the ages and genders of the children and details of what they would like from Santa. Members of the public and businesses could then select a family to sponsor.
On Friday, November 7, they made one final call to the public to help reach that target… with just 23 families on the list left unsponsored.
They said: “To help us meet our deadline, we’re now kindly asking that all donations be made via PayPal or bank transfer. This allows us to do the shopping ourselves this weekend and make sure every child’s gift is ready in time.”
Any donation, no matter how big or small will be gratefully received.
Caring Coins were once again massively helped on their way by Malmac Construction who – for the second year in a row – donated a massive £5,000 towards the appeal.
Said Caring Coins: “This donation has covered the majority of our appeal, and thanks to Malmac’s kindness, we now have just £3,160 left to raise to fully sponsor every child on our list this Christmas.
“…We truly cannot thank Malmac enough for believing in our mission and helping us bring joy, warmth and hope to families who need it most. Your support means the world to us, and to every child whose Christmas will be brighter because of you.”
The Christmas Appeal for families closes on November 11 to allow the charity to finish their shopping and prepare the toys for delivery to each individual family.
And their work doesn’t stop there. Once finalised, they will then begin working on their Pensioners Appeal; providing home heating supplies, food and drinks to those less physically and financially able within the community.
Donations can be made directly via https://www.caringcoins.co.uk/donate/
