Jenny gives up Christmas to help needy kids
Exeter resident, Jenny Fox, 25, is giving up her family Christmas to support disadvantaged children in need of a magical Christmas experience.
Jenny will be travelling to the CHICKS charity retreat in Brentor, Devon, where she will be joined by five other volunteers, three charity staff and over a dozen disadvantaged children for a residential Christmas break.
CHICKS is a national charity that provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from right across the UK. In addition to its regular respite breaks, the charity holds special Christmas breaks from December 23 – 27 for children who are unable to enjoy Christmas at home.
This includes children who are living in extreme poverty, are living in emergency care or face the responsibility of being a young carer for a sick or disabled relative.
This will be the third time that Jenny has volunteered to spend her Christmas at CHICKS. She said: ‘‘Having spent 2 Christmases at CHICKS already, I've seen the impact that the breaks have on the children.
‘‘Christmas is a time which is especially enjoyed by children and I am aware that some young people in the UK do not receive a positive Christmas experience. Volunteering to spend
Christmas at CHICKS gives me a chance to help change this for some of the UK’s most deserving young people.’’
Throughout their week, the children and team of volunteers and staff, take part in a wide range of festivities including visiting Father Christmas, attending a carol concert, giving and receiving presents, a trip to the pantomime and enjoying a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Head of Fundraising and Communications at CHICKS, Tim Bunting, said: ‘‘It’s heart breaking to think that 1 in 3 children will be spending this Christmas in poverty and 700,000 will be spending it caring for a sick or disabled relative.
‘‘With the help of wonderful volunteers like Jenny, CHICKS hopes to change that for a group of very deserving children.
‘‘I can’t thank Jenny enough for giving up her time, and Christmas with her own family, to make this a special and unforgettable Christmas for these children.
‘‘With her help, we hope to give them a brighter Christmas they’ll remember for years to come.’’
One of the children who will be spending this Christmas at CHICKS is 8-year-old Mark* who has never really known his mother. She left when he was very young, leaving him in foster care. His dad fought hard to get him out of the care system and they now live in a deprived area of Birmingham where they struggle to make ends meet.
Every day is a struggle for Mark and his dad with them relying on food banks and Mark receiving free school meals and uniforms.
Christmas is especially tough for them both. Mark’s mum has very little contact with him which he finds very upsetting and their financial situation means there is little money for presents, treats and celebrations.
Spending this Christmas at CHICKS will give Mark the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Christmas he doesn’t have at home. Surrounded by new friends, he’ll receive Christmas presents, enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and have fun in a safe environment.
To find out more about CHICKS or to support the CHICKS at Christmas Appeal visit www.chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811020.
*Please note that the child’s name has been changed to protect their identity.
