A decade of giving: 2022 Christmas gift appeal in aid of Barnardo’s launches

This year marks a decade of Cotton Court Business Centre’s Christmas gift appeal in aid of Barnardo’s.

This year more than ever before the Preston business centre is reaching out for help to ensure that all of the young people Barnardo’s support in Lancashire have gifts to open this Christmas.

A spokesperson said: “Each year the generosity of the community has been overwhelming, and the aim for the 10th year is to be the biggest and best one yet!”

There are two ways that people can get involved; either by dropping a gift off at Cotton Court or at one of the appeal partner’s sites, or by making a cash donation.

This year Cotton Court has teamed up with VibePay and Bar Pintxos to ensure that every penny you donate goes to the gift appeal, so that Barnardo’s Lancashire Services staff can purchase gifts for all of the young people they look after, in time for Christmas.

The VibePay link for donations is: https://me.vibepay.com/cc-barnardos-appeal-22

Christmas is not just for little kids. Did you know that teenagers and young adults are supported by Barnardo’s and are often overlooked when people think of gifts? Barnardo’s have a made it easy by providing a list of gift suggestions to ensure no feels overlooked this Christmas: https://cottoncourt.co.uk/gifts-suggestions-2022/

You can help the appeal achieve its target by donating an unwrapped gift to Cotton Court Business Centre reception (between 08.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday) or at one of the partnering donation sites; Bar Pintxos in Preston (between 12:00 and 21:00 Monday - Sunday) or In the Zone, Leyland (between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday).

The funds raised via the VibePay will be used to buy gifts or gift vouchers for the young people that are looked after by Barnardo’s services here in Lancashire.

Debbie Nolan-Plunkett, assistant director at Barnardo’s, said: “Huge thanks to Cotton Court and their supporters for 10 fabulous years of changing children and young people’s lives at Christmas.

“There has never been a greater need to support children, young people and families reeling from the cost-of-living crisis and overwhelmed by what should be such a happy time.

“Every single gift brings a ray of happiness to a child or young person and ensures that they feel cared for and remembered at a time when they may be missing out on a family Christmas due to being estranged from their families or where families just can’t afford the cost of Christmas.”

Gift appeal supporter Lester Short, from Lester Developments, said: “Every year I get involved with the Cotton Court Gift Appeal in aid of Barnardo’s, it’s always important remember the true spirit of Christmas and do something for those less fortunate at this time of year.”