Hundreds of children’s Christmas presents are on their way to vulnerable families in Portsmouth, thanks to the generosity of companies the council works with.
Portsmouth City Council’s annual appeal for donations from its suppliers has had another huge response this year. Around 500 presents have been gifted – including toys, dolls, books, musical instruments as well as vouchers for children’s clothing and activities.
The donations have come from nine Portsmouth businesses, as well as city council staff, and will be handed out by four local charities and groups to children and families they support.
Councillor Chris Attwell, Cabinet Member for Central Services (pictured, second from left alongside some of the suppliers and council staff), said:
“We’ve again been overwhelmed by the response to our appeal, which means hundreds of gifts and toys are on their way to families for Christmas.
“This is just one of many ways we work with suppliers to give back to our communities. I’d like to thank everyone who donated to brighten up Christmas for Portsmouth children this year.”
The four charities and groups we’re working with:
- Home-Start Portsmouth – who primarily support the welfare children under 5 and their families.
- The Roberts Centre – who work to improve the lives of children and families in the city.
- Portsmouth City of Sanctuary – who support asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
- Portsea Event Group (PEG) – who support children from newborn to 13 with free and low cost events in Portsea (PEG Facebook page)
Jo Toms, CEO of Home-Start Portsmouth, said:
“The response from local businesses has been incredible once again this year. The sense of community and giving is strong and these donations represent kindness, care and warmth for Portsmouth children and parents this festive season.
“It’s a privilege to deliver these gifts and I’m so proud to work in partnership with businesses who give to their communities. Thank you.”
The Christmas appeal is part of the council’s commitment to social value, which means working with its suppliers to ensure they offer support and benefit to Portsmouth communities. The council’s social value policy, introduced three and a half years ago, has generated millions of pounds worth of benefits to local people, including employment opportunities and training for people with disabilities and from ethnic minorities, and equipment for local groups.
The companies who donated presents are:
- Future Water MJJV
- Ahmarra Door Solutions
- Wightman and Parrish
- DM Habens The Builder Ltd
- Comserv
- Tandem Electrical Limited
- ETEC Group
- Balfour Beatty PLC
- Landbuild Ltd