Local charity, Purple Elephant, has launched a fundraiser to help families in need create special memories this festive season.
The charity is appealing to the community for donations as it aims to raise £1,000 to ensure that families in need can enjoy a more joyful Christmas.
“Whilst Christmas is a time of celebration for many, with over 1,000 children in Frome alone on free school meals, hundreds of local families are struggling to meet basic heating and eating needs before even considering where to find the extra money for treats,” explained Purple Elephant’s service manager, Sue Willis.
“For many, the greatest challenges come from caring for children with additional needs, so Purple Elephant’s focus at this time of year is to ensure the whole family is involved, with adults joining in too, so that everyone gets to have fun together.
“Purple Elephant will be holding a special Christmas party in a warm, welcoming space for families needing support. The party is only for families who have been referred to the charity and is being held just a couple of days before the ‘big day’ itself, which means the party will feature a very special guest indeed.”
Father Christmas himself will be there in person, with an individually selected present for each child. For around 75 children, there will be festive crafts and a silent disco, as well as delicious food provided by partner charity, Fair Frome.
Also being gifted to 120 children and their adults this year are tickets to The Memorial Theatre, The Merlin Theatre, and The Lucky Chance to see Sleeping Beauty, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, The Little Match Girl and, for the very youngest, The Ugly Duckling.
Some shows will offer ‘relaxed’ performances, an adjusted approach to regular theatre ‘rules’ where lighting and sound are adapted to support sensory needs and children can be free to be themselves.
“Christmas is a wonderful time of year but for some it is also really stressful, pressured, and even unhappy,” says Sue. “We aim to bring a bit of joy and fun to families who need support at this time of year, building happy memories as part of childhood. As well as our regular year-round services, the charity works to offer little extras to all the families we support.
“Purple Elephant is asking you to please support children who have so much less than so many this Christmas.”
You can donate via their website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk or directly via their Local Giving page at localgiving.org/fundraising/PurpleElephantChristmasJoy
