The online fundraiser was redesigned this year to be COVID-secure, with a website set up for donations to buy Christmas presents for local kids instead of donating actual toys.
The Vernon’s Christmas Toy Appeal has raised an incredible £6,000 to help children supported by Cheadle-based charity Together Trust.
The local building society decided to boost its contribution to an extra £10 for every donation of £5 or more, to match the generosity shown by the local community.
The online fundraiser was redesigned this year to be COVID-secure, with a website set up for donations to buy Christmas presents for local kids instead of donating actual toys.
The Together Trust supports champions and cares for people with disabilities, autism and complex health needs and provides life-changing support for looked-after children and care-experienced people.
Every penny of the £6,000 will be spent on buying a toy or essential item for a child or young person under the care of the Together Trust, to make sure those in need can have a happier Christmas.
Alex Deakin, Vernon’s marketing and brand manager, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of residents and businesses across Stockport and Greater Manchester yet again this year, so we thought it only right that we should boost our own contribution.
“We’re thrilled to hit the £6,000 total to help make Christmas special for some very deserving families in what’s been such a tough year.”
Lily from Together Trust, added: “It was quite emotional to see how kind people were. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who listened and donated. In what has been such a hard year for so many people this has really brought a smile to everyone’s faces and shown us that even in the hardest times there is still such a strong community spirit and unbelievable kindness.”
Together Trust has already purchased the presents so they can be wrapped and delivered to children in plenty of time for Christmas Day.
