Chance to nominate charity to benefit from Christmas Appeal

The appeal and online auction of exclusive gifts have raised thousands of pounds for charities across the region ranging from the Prince’s Trust to young
carers’ groups and small grassroots community projects like lunch clubs.

This year we are giving you the chance to propose who will benefit from the money raised.

We would like readers to suggest any charities working in Yorkshire they think we should support and are also asking charities to write in detailing what they do and why they should be considered.

The work of the charity selected would be featured in the newspaper in the run-up to Christmas as part of the appeal.

Director for Barnardo’s Yorkshire Steve Oversby said last year’s appeal, which raised more than £16,000, had made a big difference to the lives of young carers.

An estimated 85,000 children look after a sick or disabled loved one in the region and the funds from our Give Young Carers A Break appeal were shared between services across Yorkshire where they were put towards activities and trips.

The cash was divided between children’s charity Barnardo’s groups in Doncaster, Hull, Leeds and Bradford as well as independent charities Sheffield Young Carers, Harrogate-based Carers’ Resource and York Young Carers.

Inspirational young carers shared their stories, helping to highlight the vital role they and others like them play in looking after relatives.

Hundreds of people moved by their plight cast bids in the online auction with money also rolling in through cash donations from generous readers.

Mr Oversby said: “We acknowledge that these are difficult and challenging times. Here at Barnardo’s, we are doing our utmost to continue to provide a first-class service for the children, young people and their families across Yorkshire who we support.

“The current financial climate means that public donations are even more vital to us today.”

He added: “Last year’s Yorkshire Post Christmas campaign made a huge difference to the lives of many of our young carers across the region.

“We were incredibly proud of our young people who were brave enough to tell their personal stories to try and raise awareness of issues faced by young carers 
and in turn, help create a better future for others in similar situations.

And we were deeply touched by the generosity of Yorkshire people in donating to us.”

Harrogate-based Cicada Communications has supported our appeal from its inception, securing top prizes for the online auction.

Managing Director Di Burton said: “The Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal is a great opportunity for people in Yorkshire and beyond to show their goodwill and we anticipate this year’s appeal will be as generously supported as ever.”

If you would like a charity to be considered for the 2013 appeal please write and tell us about it, including details of the work they do and who benefits.

Please email [email protected] and include Christmas 
Appeal 2013 in the subject 
line.

Alternatively you can write to the Editor’s Secretary, Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal 2013, No 1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE.

All proposals must be received by Tuesday August 27.