BARNARDO’S CHRISTMAS GIFT APPEAL 2019

Cotton Court Business Centre is once again inviting members of the local business community to come to the aid of disadvantaged young people in the county.

Each year the business hub launches its Christmas Gift Appeal in aid of Barnardo’s, and the 400+ disadvantaged young people it supports across Lancashire.

The appeal asks businesses and members of the public alike to spare a thought for disadvantaged young people in their area this Christmas, by donating a gift that can be opened on Christmas Day.

The appeal has gone from strength to strength and is now in its seventh year, but unfortunately, as momentum for the cause grows, so too has demand. Cotton Court is pushing the campaign especially hard this year, to make sure that no Barnardo’s supported young person is left without a present to open on Christmas Day.

Cotton Court Managing Director Robert Binns said:

“Every year we’re blown away by the support that members of the local community show the appeal. It’s a great way for everyone to come together at a special time of year and show the young people that Barnardo’s supports that we care.

When we started the appeal we set out to make sure that no young person that Barnardo’s supports be left without a gift on Christmas Day, and it was magical to achieve that for the last few years. However, the demand for Barnardo’s services increases each and every year, and we’re in danger of not meeting that target this Christmas unless the good people of Central Lancashire can come together and do something magical this festive season, and put a smile on a young persons face.”

Jenny Ashcroft, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardo’s Lancashire said:

“Once again we are extremely grateful for the support from Cotton Court to Barnardo’s services in Lancashire to enable the children and young people we work with to be gifted with a present this Christmas. 

As a charity we work with children and young people across Lancashire in a range of services, we would be very grateful for gifts for all age groups – particularly older children, teenagers and young adults.

The support from individuals and businesses to this appeal is amazing, we cannot thank you enough for the opportunity for our staff to pass on the Christmas gifts to those they work with and how excited and thankful our children and young people are to receive the thoughtful gifts bought for them.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with the Christmas Gift Appeal, no matter how big or small your donation it will go a long way to making a difference this Christmas to the child or young person that receives it.”

There is a particular focus on gifts for older children, teenagers and young adults. Many people think that Barnardo’s supports just very young children, but this isn’t the case. The service supports people into their teenage years and young adulthood, and it’s often the upper age category that struggles for gift donations. 

As it can be difficult to choose suitable gifts for the older age category, this year the business centre has compiled a list of recommended items to assist kind supporters of the appeal if they so wish. That can be viewed HERE.

You can help the appeal achieve its target by donating an unwrapped gift for a child, teenager or young adult, with donations being received at Cotton Court Business Centre reception between 08.00 and 17.00 Mon to Fri.

While the business centre would prefer donations to be dropped off in person, so that a personal thanks can be given, they understand the demands of business and personal life. Therefore, this year will be accepting gifts directly shipped from Amazon (details provided below), and donations via a JustGiving page which can be viewed HERE. The funds raised via this page will be used to buy gifts or gift vouchers for the appeal.

The appeal launches on Friday 15th November and closes on Monday 16th December. 

Drop Off (Preferred) 

Cotton Court Business Centre (08.00 – 17.00)

Cotton Court

Church Street

Preston

PR1 3BY

Amazon

Order your gifts on Amazon.co.uk and ship directly to the below address. Please include your full name and email address in the shipping notes or email us with the order number so we can confirm upon receipt.

Christmas Gift Appeal

Cotton Court Business Centre

Cotton Court

Church Street

Preston

PR1 3BY