Christmas in Blackburn with Darwen
2020 has presented many challenges for our local communities and COVID has made life different for most, we are now seeing the damaging impact this has had on young people and families across the borough.
With Christmas fast approaching and there still being a huge amount of uncertainty about what COVID restrictions will be in place, what is supposed to be the most ‘wonderful time of the year’ is going to be a very challenging time for some vulnerable young people and their families within the borough of Blackburn with Darwen.
Many household incomes are now reduced as families are experiencing job losses and pay cuts. Employment is uncertain within many sectors, which is deepening the continuous economic challenges that COVID has brought for many families.
Recently 31% of Youth Zone members taking part in an online survey shared that their family was struggling for money due to the impact of COVID and related job losses. This means this year families are going to struggle to provide gifts and food for their children at Christmas.
Can you support a BYZ member this Christmas?
BYZ is pledging to provide every member with a Christmas stocking over the festive period as well as a food hamper. Members will be presented with their stocking over the Christmas period, that will take place over several days in December.
“Funding the appeal is going to be a huge challenge, but one we are not afraid of, after the huge success of the inaugural Zone to Home appeal in April this year we are asking for donations from our amazing and supportive patrons and the wider business community to help spread the festive cheer this winter and make a donation no matter how small, every penny will make a difference.
We need over one thousand Christmas stockings, for members of various ages filled with festive gifts and treats, that support mental wellbeing and personal care plus access to online workshops at the youth zone. We also need donations to ensure not one young person goes hungry so we can give out food hampers too.”
Commented Mel Thomas, Fundraising Coordinator for BYZ.
We are very grateful to Pets Choice for donating the bespoke embroidered stockings for our young people, all that we need now are the goodies to go inside!
We need your support – how can you help?
We want to be able to support all BYZ members over the Christmas period with a health and wellbeing BYZ stocking and a food hamper which will support young people’s mental health over the Christmas period.
BYZ Christmas Hamper = £10 per Hamper
A free healthy meal for a young person and family to enjoy over Christmas.
BYZ Christmas Stocking = £10 per Stocking
BYZ Stocking will contain a selection box, an arts and crafts activity, kinetic sand, toiletries, 5 ways to wellbeing tool book and an invitation to a digital workshop to connect with BYZ over Christmas.
Click here to donate and support the cause
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?campaignId=14483&charityId=1002220
To find out more about our Christmas appeal, what items we need to secure to complete the gifts, or to donate, please contact Mel on 01254 292000 or email melanie.thomas@blackburnyz.org
Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
