Residents in Peterborough can help support children and families living in poverty over the Christmas period as part of a special festive scheme.
Peterborough City Council has teamed up with children’s charity Barnardo's, to put a Christmas Giving Tree up in Bewiched coffee shop at Fletton Quays.
From Monday 4 November until Monday 2 December, people can pop into Bewiched and use the tree to help donate gifts to children in the Peterborough area.
To lend a hand to 2024’s Giving Tree, simply take a name tag from the tree, scan the QR code and buy a present from the wish list.
Bring the unwrapped present back to Bewiched, and it will be collected by the Barnardo’s team, who distribute the gifts to local families in time for Christmas.
In 2023 Barnardo’s were able to provide at least three to four gifts each to just under 2,500 children ranging in age from newborn to 19 years old.
Councillor Alison Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are proud to be supporting an initiative that makes the most of the festive season and allows us all to give back to Peterborough’s community.
“It’s key for us to champion initiatives such as these to support our less fortunate residents. By taking a tag and buying a gift, you could transform a child’s Christmas.”
Lynn McNish, Barnardo’s Children’s Services Manager, said: “Each and every generously donated gift will go directly from the Christmas Giving Tree to the children who need us most in Peterborough.
“For many local families, Christmas can mean increasing pressure and financial strain, rather than being a time for celebration. We really appreciate all donations for this very worthwhile initiative."
Recent research published by Barnardo’s found that more than one in five (21%) parents of children aged 18 and under in the East of England have struggled to provide sufficient food for their children over the past year.1
Similarly, research for the End Child Poverty Coalition, of which Barnardo’s is a member, found that of the 61 parliamentary constituencies in the East of England, Peterborough has the highest rate of child poverty in the region, at 44%.2
The charity receives referrals from other local charities, children’s social care, health visitors, midwifery, targeted support, preschools, nurseries, schools, and family support workers.