Donations flood in to Christmas appeal to provide festive pyjamas and books for families seeking refuge during Christmas period

Donations of festive outfits and fun seasonal books have flooded in since The Parenting Network launched its Christmas appeal in Portsmouth last week.

The not-for-profit social enterprise, which runs a variety of support services for parents, wanted to make a difference to children and families living in hostels and refuges this Christmas.

To bring a bit of normality to a strange and unsettling time, the public have been encouraged to purchase items from an Amazon wishlist which will be packaged and delivered to vulnerable families.

Matt Foster, founder of The Parenting Network, said: ‘These families are seeking refuge during the Christmas period and often had to pick up and leave and not take a lot with them.

‘For young children, at a time they are experiencing things none of us would want young people to be witnessing and living through, it can be a really strange environment.

‘The staff at the refuges do a fantastic job to create a hub of safety and warmth and love and we wanted to be a part of that.’

The plan was to collect enough donations to support one Stop Domestic Abuse refuge with presents - but more than 200 parcels arrived in the week since the campaign was launched.

Fratton resident Matt reached out to co-ordinators from Stop Domestic Abuse to offer these Christmas Eve parcels to other centres across the area.

SEE ALSO: Services for domestic abuse victims in Portsmouth to merge

The 39-year-old said: ‘We want to show that families in Portsmouth are spreading some Christmas spirit to people who might not have much at Christmas this year.

‘It’s a small gesture, we just wanted to show a little bit of kindness and hope that goes a long way. Every single package we get will go to a vulnerable family.’

In order for donors to safely give at this time, the donations will be given through an Amazon wishlist at amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2C2SO8R274XN9 with purchases to be made before December 13.

Donations will be delivered directly to Matt and his staff and volunteers, so they can wrap the items and arrange for Stop Domestic Abuse to collect them.

If you are affected by domestic abuse, contact Stop Domestic Abuse on (023) 9206 5494.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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