Festivals, light illuminations and fun filled activities
Published on: 29/11/24
With your support, you could give a child a chance this Christmas. We are calling on all those in our local community, who still have slots in their festive calendars, to join in one of the many events that are taking place over the next few weeks.
What can you expect to see from The Children’s Trust over the festive period?
Winter Festival, 7 December, 12pm – 7pm
Set in the grounds at Tadworth Court, The Children’s Trust Winter Festival will get you into the festive spirit with winter activities and attractions – enjoy a glass of mulled wine whilst shopping in the crafts and gifts marquee; visit Santa in his grotto; check out the craft corner and decorate a bauble and a cookie, and meet the charity’s special animal friends. Fun for all the family!
As the night draws, the gardens will come to life with an illuminated winter light display, switched on by former English international cricketer and current television and radio personality, Phil Tufnell. Enjoy the illuminations whilst warming up with drinks from the bar, a hot chocolate and delicious food whilst enjoying some performances on the stage.
Keep the Fleet on the Road with The Big Give Challenge
After a brain injury, a child may have spent months in hospital and it can feel as if their world has shrunk. New physical needs and medical equipment means a child is often unable to travel by car or public transport. Missing out on their favourite activities, days out and missing seeing their friends and family can lead to a child’s sense of isolation and challenge their mental health. Our adapted vehicles and volunteer drivers can help a child and their family on their rehabilitation journey after a brain injury.
Donations to The Children’s Trust will be doubled from 12pm on Tuesday 3 December to 12pm on Tuesday 10 December via The Big Give Challenge. If we raise £50,000 this will be matched by generous supporters to become £100,000 to fund our vital transport fleet.
Double your donations via The Big Give Challenge
Elf Fun Challenge
Look out for little elves across the county, as local clubs and schools are taking part in any challenge of their choosing throughout the month. In fact, with over 21 sign ups to date, that’s 4,849 elf hats you could spot around your local vicinity. And what’s more, there is still time to sign up. It can literally be anything – from a penalty shoot out to running a skip-a-thon. If you would like to host your own Elf Fun, then please do get in touch at getinvolved@thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Shop, donate and save for a sustainable Christmas
Dress to impress for less this festive season, The Children’s Trust 14 retail stores are filled with outfits that sparkle and shine. Or if you haven’t purchased your secret Santa gift yet, there is plenty to choose from.
You can also give some of those preloved items and help improve the stock levels for each of the stores.
Play to win
Our Christmas raffle gives you the chance to win £2,500 just in time for Christmas. Each entry is £1 and you have until 9 December to enter. The final draw will take place on 13 December.
Buy your Christmas Raffle tickets
Why support The Children’s Trust this Christmas?
In the next few weeks, children with brain injury will be arriving at our site in Tadworth, Surrey, from all over the country. Children, like Reuben, who had a stroke when he was just two years old. Reuben was a bouncy, chatty little boy, having a bath before bedtime, when his mum, Holly, noticed something wrong.
He was rushed to A&E, where his dad, Liam, realised that Reuben didn’t recognise him and asked for a CT scan. Reuben had had a significant stroke. He stopped talking. He stopped crying. He was unable to move his right side at all.
Three months later, Reuben arrived at The Children’s Trust for specialist rehabilitation. He was given a weekly timetable of intensive therapy, including physiotherapy to help him walk independently and speech and language therapy to help him communicate. The team motivated Reuben by incorporating activities he enjoyed into his therapy, particularly his love of football. Reuben is now at home, living with his family, enjoying playing football again.
Find out more about Reuben's story
Throughout the years, our neighbours in the local community have stepped up in every way possible to help the children and families we support. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and generosity of so many people. Thank you so much to everyone who has already given and committed to volunteer their time to help give a chance a child a chance this Christmas, we really appreciate all your support.
Michelle Martin, Director of Fundraising and Communications
