A CHILDREN’S charity is calling on Silhillians to dig deep and help give disadvantaged children the Christmas they deserve.
Variety, The Children’s Charity, should be getting final preparations ready at the Village Hotel in Solihull to host its annual Christmas party for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children but the pandemic means it cannot go ahead.
The party usually features a visit from Father Christmas who ensures every child receives a gift.
Much of the income Variety relies upon to fund their endeavours comes from events which unfortunately have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
And as a result, Variety has seen its income generation drop by over 50 per cent this year.
To carry on with their tradition Variety is asking for donations for The Big Variety Christmas Appeal.
Donations could help fund presents from a weighted blanket to comfort a distressed child with autism or a specialist car seat for a child with breathing and swallowing difficulties.
A study has shown that it costs a family approximately £600 more a month to care for a disabled child than a family whose child is not disabled.
However, job uncertainty and pay cuts due to furlough or job losses could have a catastrophic financial impact on these families without the necessary support.
Charlotte Walker, regional development director at Variety, said: “We believe that all children deserve to have a wonderful Christmas regardless of disability or disadvantage.
“Receiving gifts at Christmas for many is expected, however, for most of the children we support this simply isn’t the case.
“Many of the children would go without if it wasn’t for the gift provided by Variety.”
Variety is also asking the local business community to donate any of their unused Christmas party budget, donating what they would usually spend on taxis, drinks and outfits in order to help lift the spirits of vulnerable children and their families this Christmas.
To make a donation to the charity visit the website at www.Variety.org.uk
