Mortgage broker turns into Santa to help Exeter families in need

Thanks to The Mortgage Quarter's annual gift appeal and the generosity of the local community, Exeter families in need are set to receive a bumper load of gifts in time for Christmas.

Since 2019, The Mortgage Quarter has run a Christmas toy appeal for a local charity, but this year the company decided to go large and widen the scope. Working in partnership with Exeter CoLab, the donations will benefit seven Exeter-based charities supporting children, domestic abuse survivors, families in temporary accommodation and Ukrainian refugees.

Despite the size of the ask, the local community delivered and filled over two rooms with brand-new toys, clothes and other gift donations in just three weeks.

James Miles, director at The Mortgage Quarter, commented, "Every year, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of our community, and this year was no different. We have been blown away by everyone's generosity, especially at a time when finances are stretched.

"During this appeal, we have heard some heartbreaking stories, so we are glad to have played a small part in making a difference this Christmas. We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that donated."

Jo Cuthbertson, Learning Matters Lead at CoLab Exeter, added, "Wow! We are stunned and delighted at the level of donations collected by The Mortgage Quarter. What a tremendous effort. We can't wait to distribute them to the charities and bring festive cheer to families in need this Christmas."

The beneficiaries include RD&E Charity (Bramble Ward), Promoting Choice, Breathing Space, Conversation Café and More Positive Me. CoLab Exeter will distribute the donations between them this week in time for Christmas.