Launch of a special community appeal at the heart of our community

THE Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2024 is up and running.

The past few years have been amongst the most difficult and challenging in living memory, with the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis impacting so many.

Rising levels of child poverty and deteriorating mental health is pushing families that were already struggling deeper into crisis.

The appeal is run by charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) in partnership with the Newham Recorder.

And Jonny Boux, Chief Executive of the charity and Paula Blake, Appeal Co-ordinator and Operations Manager for Ambition Aspire Achieve, make this joint appeal.

Said Jonny: “With the expectation of high demand, planning for the 2024 appeal started early this year in anticipation of the very high numbers of referrals that are already coming though.

“Last year, the nearly 3,000 vulnerable children were referred, and with many local families in Newham continuing to experience rising poverty this year, there is every chance that number will be exceeded. “Latest figures show that well over 50 per cent of Newham’s children are experiences the consequences caused by the daily grind of poverty, with families increasingly struggling to make ends meet, through no fault of their own.

“Our annual toy appeal in itself cannot solve the issue, but it can make a tremendous difference to a child at a time when the effects of poverty are amplified during the season of giving. Any help provided this year can make all the difference, with every pound donated turned into toys for children.”

Said Paula: “Times have been tough for so many over recent years, but with the appeal needed more than ever, we are calling on as many supporters as possible to help make a difference.

“If you can provide support in any way, please do reach out and get in touch with us. There are many ways you can support, making a direct donation, raising money with friends and work colleagues, organising toy collections and raising awareness of the cause amongst your contacts.”

The appeal is named after AAA’s founded Kevin Jenkins OBE.

Added Paula: “Simply put, the appeal would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of all its supporters. Newham’s most disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk children this Christmas, at a time when it is most needed. Please be part of that difference – thank you.”

 Our first donation is as absolute joy.

The story behind it in many ways sums up the mission of charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve.

The charity has always been about helping young people to help themselves. And it is testament to those who run the organisation, that it inspires people who may have benefited themselves in years gone by to return and ‘give back.’

The gifts of love came from Donna and Wayne Howe who are foster parents from Canning Town.

• Donna and the first donation to our appeal

“They wanted to help to give back as their children received gifts from the appeal when they were younger,” said AAA’s Business Manager Lucy Jenkins.

“So now they are in the position to give back they feel it is important.”

AAA inspires others to help make a difference.

Here’s how you can give to our appeal.

For people wishing to choose a gift or gifts, to purchase online for a young person this Christmas, an Amazon Wish List has been set up.

This feature has a selection of items ranging from toys, hats, CDs and books to headphones, watches, teddies and much more that the appeal organisers know would be suitable for those receiving presents, and provide an easy way to buy and donate directly.

We have set up a specific appeal gift list for the Newham Recorder.

This is the link for our special Amazon page:

https://amzn.eu/ekoMtBv

The list includes a selection of gifts that we are hoping to be able to put into the Christmas stockings this year. The gifts are for varying ages and at various price levels. Any gifts purchased will be automatically delivered direct to the appeal.

Or donate a cash gift. We can transform donations into gifts to fill the Christmas stockings this year.

The appeal specific Giving Site is – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmasappeal2

Donations can be made in person at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park, in Bethell Avenue, Canning Town, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Former Newham Recorder Editor Colin Grainger is also taking part in a sponsored swim to raise money. Details else where on this website with a link.

Details on how you can support the campaign in general will be in the Recorder every week and on their website www.newhamrecorder.co.uk

And AAA will feature the campaign on its Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram pages.

Kind hearted bikers have already announced they are planning their annual Christmas Toy Run in support of the appeal on November 30. Watch this space for more details.

More on the appeal soon. Please help if you can.

If you can help us ensure 2024 spreads some joy , it would be brilliant if we can meet our target yet again.

Pictures: AAA and Lucy Jenkins