Northern joins forces with Rock FM to light up Christmas for Lancashire

The largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK, Mission Christmas is an annual campaign run by Cash for
Kids which is supported by Bauer Radio’s regional stations, including Rock FM.

In 2017 the appeal generated around £17million in gifts and donations which were distributed to more than 400,000 disadvantaged kids across the UK – with more than16,000 recipients in Lancashire.

With 1 in 4 children across the UK living in poverty this December, for many families Christmas is simply a luxury they can’t afford – Save the Children describe child poverty as living in a house with no central heating and going to bed at night without a hot meal.

This year’s Mission Christmas aims to beat last year’s fundraising total and help make sure it can help as many children as possible from Lancashire can be supported.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor this year’s Mission Christmas appeal. We really hope that with our support, more children in Lancashire can receive the Christmas they deserve, and we look forward to assisting Cash For Kids' fantastic work with help from our staff and customers.”

Janine Marsh from Rock FMs Breakfast Show Steve and Janine in the Morning said: “Mission Christmas is a brilliant way for people to act in the true spirit of the season and give a little something to disadvantaged young people who really do deserve it.

“What was achieved by our generous listeners last year was truly amazing and I know we can do even better this year. Even one child living in poverty is too many but with thousands in Lancashire in that position Mission Christmas gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference.

“It’s easy to take part, all you need to do is buy one extra gift before December 18 and hand it in to one of our many collection points, alternatively you can text ROCK to 70808 to donate £5 and we will buy a gift on your behalf.

"Let’s make 2018’s Mission Christmas our biggest and best ever and bring a little cheer to the children who need it most.”

Supporters of the campaign can take their gifts to a number of drop-off points which you’ll find listed on the Rock FM website including our partner Northern who have collection point at their train stations.

This year Mission HQ, which acts as a hub for the receipt, sorting and distribution of gifts, is at The Store Room, Marsh Lane, Preston, PR1 8SN.

Those listeners who don’t have time to shop can text ROCK to 70808 to make a £5 donation to the appeal. (Calls cost Standard network rate and 100% of the donation goes to Cash For Kids).

Cash for Kids works with thousands of grass-root organisations across the UK who support disadvantaged children (0 – 18 years). Mission Christmas works closely with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who will nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

In advance of the launch (and throughout the campaign) organisations nominate the children they support, highlighting their age, gender and any additional needs. Cash for Kids therefore knows how many children Mission Christmas is hoping to support and what age groups may be struggling for gifts throughout the appeal.

For further details, including information on how to get involved or make a donation, please visit www.rockfm.co.uk/mission