A Liverpool children’s charity launched its Christmas appeal just one week before one of its main sources of revenue is due to close down.
KIND, based between the city centre and Toxteth, had a shop on Bold Street which is due to cease trading because the building has been sold by the owner.
The charity is hoping to raise £50, 000 in order to give disadvantaged children and families a happy, stress-free Christmas and has been doing its Christmas hamper appeal for the past 37 years.
It provides families in need with a large food hamper containing around three to five days’ worth of food, a fruit and vegetable basket and toy parcels.
Stephen Yip, founder of KIND, said: “I think we all look at our own families and think what we’re going to do for Christmas. I think it’s important that we look at other members of our community.”
Liverpool-born comedian and actor, Les Dennis won the charity £5,000 on ITV’s hit show, All Star Mr and Mrs and they have also had a donation of £1,000 from local insurance broker Griffiths and Armour.
Mr Yip said: “It’s a starting point and we’re hoping that a lot of people on Merseyside will get behind it and help some of those most in need within our community.
“I think it’s important for families and children to know that other people in the community do care about them and do worry and do want to help them and want to help address their problems.”
However, despite these generous donations, Mr Yip is worried the charity will not meet its optimistic target. Each hamper costs £50 and the KIND staff are worried, because of the closure of the charity shop, that not as many will receive the parcels they need this year.
The charity is currently looking for another store to occupy.
For more information or to donate to KIND visit www.kind.org.uk.