Children’s charity seeks support from businesses to spread Christmas cheer

Befriend a Child is appealing to local businesses and organisations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to support their annual Giving Tree Appeal by becoming a Giving Tree partner.

Befriend a Child is inviting businesses to become a Giving Tree partner for 2023.

Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many of the charity’s families. Befriend a Child’s award-winning appeal ensures that the children and young people they support have presents to open on Christmas morning and experiences to look forward to in 2024.

Businesses signing up to support the appeal will be provided with Giving Tree tags to hang on their Christmas tree for staff, clients, and customers to take. Participants can either purchase a gift for a local young person or donate money towards experiences and outings for local children in the year ahead. There is also a virtual option for the campaign if companies work more remotely.

Sarah Misra, CEO at Befriend a Child said: “Each year we launch the appeal we are delighted with the response from local businesses but there is always a need to support more children. We believe all children should experience the magic of Christmas, and donations received through our Giving Tree appeal help us ensure all young people and their siblings receive presents to open on Christmas morning.”

Marine construction contractor, Ocean Installer, has already committed to the appeal, making a donation to allow all expenses of the appeal to be covered, ensuring every penny donated goes straight to local children and young people in need.

Gregor Scott, Managing Director of Ocean Installer said: “Many of us are familiar with the Giving Tree appeal, and the magic it brings to families supported by Befriend a Child at Christmas time. With thanks to the charity, we are exceptionally proud to sponsor this special campaign for 2023.”

Befriend a Child is reaching out to the business community in the hope that a wide range of companies will get involved. Last year over 90 partners signed up, including TMM Recruitment, Brewin Dolphin, Frasers of Ellon, and Route 66 - hair salon.

To become a Giving Tree partner, get in touch at [email protected] or call 01224 210060.

For further information, visit www.befriendachild.org.uk/giving-tree-2023