Elf Academy graduates donate Christmas gifts to North East children
More than 150 children across the North East will receive an extra special festive gift this year, thanks to WWT Washington’s Elf Academy graduates.
The donated presents form part of the wetland centre’s annual Christmas event, which sees youngsters enrolling on a special trainee elf workshop to learn everything they need to gain an official Elf Diploma – including gift wrapping and label writing skills.
As part of the experience, elves-to-be are asked to bring along a donated pre-loved toy, to be wrapped during the event and passed on to charities chosen by the WWT Washington team.
Head Elf Joanne Newbury, who also works as the centre’s Learning Manager, said: “This is a fantastic and eco-friendly way for WWT Washington to show support for some very special organisations during what can be a challenging and difficult time of year.
“And it’s also a great opportunity for the Elf Academy recruits to learn about kindness and generosity by passing on something that they’ve loved themselves, to be enjoyed by another child.”
This year’s three charitable recipients are Heel and Toe, Wearside Women in Need and Rainbow Trust.
Head Elf Joanne visited Heel and Toe, in Chester-le-Street, this week, to pass on their share of the 170 gifts donated by participants across twelve elf workshops.
The charity provides a range of therapies to children with physical disabilities and complex needs.
Natalie Duncan, fundraising executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at Heel & Toe Children’s Charity, I would like to say a big thank you to WWT Washington Wetland Centre for choosing to support us this year.
“We would also like to thank everyone who has been involved in the Elf Academy donation, and to those that have donated gifts.
“The generosity means so much to us as a local charity that receives no government funding and needs to raise £1,000,000 every year to continue helping disabled children across the North East region.
“If you think you can help us in any other way please contact 0191 386 8606 or natalie@heelandtoe.org.uk. Merry Christmas to you all.”
Domestic abuse charity Wearside Women In Need will also be receiving some of the donated gifts to pass on to those under their care.
Ciara Barrett Smith, the organisation’s Findaway Project Coordinator, said: “Christmas is happy time for lots of us, but unfortunately it’s also a difficult time for many, particularly anyone living with an abusive partner or family member.
“Over the festive period those affected by domestic abuse can feel even more isolated, abusers' behaviour can escalate and calls to domestic abuse services like ours often increase.
“We have been amazed by everyone's generosity this year - it means so much to our team and the families we support to know that people and organisations like WWT are thinking of those affected by domestic abuse.
“The wonderful gifts donated by the children from WWT's Elf Academy will go to some of the many children we are supporting this Christmas.
“We'd also like to encourage anyone worried about someone they know to keep in touch with them, be aware of some of the signs of domestic abuse and some of the helpful things you can do and say to support someone. We believe we all know someone affected by domestic abuse, and we can all help.
“If you're worried about someone you know, you can contact our families, friends and communities service here: www.wefindaway.org.uk
“Or if you're worried about your own relationship, you can contact WWIN here: www.wwin.org.uk or call 0800 066 5555 for free, confidential support.”
The third deserving charity for this year’s donations – the Rainbow Trust – supports families of children with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
The charity’s expert Family Support Workers engage with and support the entire family, enabling them to make the most of time together and giving them practical and emotional support for as long as it’s needed.
For further information about the three charities, please visit:
Heel and Toe https://heelandtoe.org.uk/
Wearside Women In Need https://www.wwin.org.uk/
Rainbow Trust https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/
