Councillors launch County Council Christmas present appeal for vulnerable children
County councillors have this week launched their annual Christmas present appeal to help Buckinghamshire’s vulnerable children and young people.
The appeal, now in its third year, is being led by Paul Irwin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transportation, who launched the appeal by bringing in presents from his family. Council employees and county councillors will donate Christmas presents throughout December for disadvantaged and vulnerable children across the county. The presents will be wrapped and handed over to children and young people by members of the Council’s Children’s Services teams in time for Christmas.
Paul Irwin said: “Our employees are fantastic, caring people and for the last two years they’ve really risen to the occasion to support our appeal by donating hundreds of presents. I’m thrilled to be running the collection again this year as I know how much everyone at the Council wants to help, and what a difference it makes to brighten up so many children’s Christmas morning.”
Supporting the appeal are the congregations of Aylesbury’s Salvation Army Church and St John’s Church, Ashley Green. Paul Irwin has also been overwhelmed by the response from residents in his Stone and Waddesdon ward. Paul explained: “I have already received so many present donations from people in my Ward – they supported the appeal last year and they’ve helped to kick off the appeal brilliantly this year.”
Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic to know how keen our staff and councillors are to help make other families’ Christmas that little bit better. I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who brings in a present; it will really make a big difference to the children we work with.”