Christmas mission is completed by Cash for Kids

Shocking statistics show that close to one-in-five children in the Scottish Borders are living in poverty.

And hundreds of families are finding it increasingly difficult to pile up the gifts under the Christmas tree.

But a spirited community effort, co-ordinated by the Cash for Kids charity, is bringing at least some joy on December 25.

The charity’s Mission Christmas toy appeal, which is now in its fourth year, has seen Borderers in their hundreds donate gifts and pledge money as they race towards filling all the needy stockings across the Borders and north Northumberland.

Cash for Kids manager Candy Rafferty told us: “People here are very aware that for many struggling families, Christmas is just another day.

“They understand how hard it is for parents who can’t treat their child when others are given so much - and they respond with amazing generosity.

“Every day we are receiving calls from people volunteering to give their time to wrap each gift.

“It’s a beautiful campaign that brings the whole community together to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.” Mission Christmas 2014 was launched by sponsors McCreath, Simpson, Prentice at the Royal Bridge in Berwick last month. Staff from the brewing suppliers joined Santa in his horse-drawn carriage, courtesy of the Cornhill Carriage Company, to play a huge game of pass the parcel.

Ever since gifts and donations have been flooding in to the charity’s headquarters at Radio Borders in Tweedbank.

Many local organisations - including B&M Stores, Scotlight, Douglas Home and Eyemouth Primary School - have helped set up a total of 58 drop off points across the region.

And Redpath Tyres helped transport all of the donations to the radio station.

The response has been so overwhelming that Candy and her team were forced to borrow additional storage space on the Tweedbank estate from STORE-AGE.ORG.

But over the past week or so a huge army of volunteers have helped organise, wrap and distribute the gifts to the neediest homes in the region.

Mission Christmas is only part of the year-round work undertaken by Cash for Kids. Every three months the charity’s executive board meets to review the increasing number of applications.

Amongst the grants handed out during 2014 have been £1900 to ensure 38 children received adequate cold-weather clothing, £1000 went towards the maintenance of a holiday caravan for the Borders Autism and Asbergers Support Group, £1330 was given for a programme being rolled out in Borders schools to help children going through trauma, and £2000 was gifted to a severely disabled child for specialist equipment and toys.

But the vast majority of grants are poverty related with money given for beds, carpets, clothing and food.

Candy continued: “We know we are only reaching the tip of the iceberg.

“As a result of reaching more people over the radio, more and more applications are received. We must continue to work hard and to work smart to make sure we can fulfil all the appeals made to us.

“I am very lucky to see the dramatic difference we are making to the lives of children on our very own doorstep and to witness the smiles on their faces.

“But I never forget it is the people of the Borders and Northumberland who really put them there.” In the run up to the Referendum this year, Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker and local MP Michael Moore walked the length of the Tweed.

And part of the funds they raised through sponsorship went to the Cash for Kids charity.

Councillor Parker said: “The Radio Borders Cash for Kids charity does fantastic work in the Borders and North Northumberland supporting children and their families.

“All the money raised stays within the Borders and North Northumberland and makes a real difference to the lives of children every day. It is extremely good cause that has been able to provide vital help to children in need when they are faced with very difficult circumstances that nobody would wish them to have to deal with.

“The team at Cash for Kids make every penny make a difference and their vital work is something that everyone should support.” In May communities from across the region came together to support Cash for Kids’ Superhero Day.

Radio Borders presenters took to the road to broadcast from shops and offices taking part in the campaign.

And all 13 Co-operative Food stores in the region joined together to raise more than £3000.

As well as boosting much-needed funds, the day also raised awareness of young carers in the Borders.

By using Radio Borders offices at Tweedbank - as well as their broadcasting services - Cash for Kids maximises contributions to the beneficiaries.

Any disadvantaged child in the Borders, up to the age of 18, is eligible for support as well as local groups, children’s organisations and related causes.

Candy added: “There’s no doubt that the success of Radio Borders Cash for Kids lies in the fact that every penny raised in the area stays in the area to help our local children.

“Unlike other charities that work at a local level, the bank account is resident here in the Borders.” For further details of Cash for Kids contact Candy at Radio Borders, Tweedside Park, Galashiels, TD1 3TD, on 01896 759444 or candy.raffferty@radioborders.com.