Christmas is a huge part of children’s lives, it is inarguably their favourite time of year. Presents, decorations, playing with family and friends; life couldn’t get better. Unfortunately, not every child will experience the same feelings when they wake up on Christmas morning.
In Northern Ireland alone, 1 in 3 children are living in poverty and over 30,000 children are living in households characterised by domestic violence. These children are at risk of waking up to no gifts on Christmas Day.
This is harsh.
But this is reality.
For those of you who don’t know; Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those who have additional needs.
In 2019, over 20.9 million was raised across the UK, supporting more than a million children!
This year, circumstances have changed, and they need our help more than ever.
Over the last few weeks, I have watched stories on Instagram from bloggers who are campaigning for Cash for Kids, but one stands out the most.
Roisin Doherty, who was involved with the campaign last year and again this year spoke about the lack of support and donations from 2019-2020. Of course, the reason being clear, many are no longer in the position to give to charity due to job losses and business closures.
Life can change quickly, as we are all aware. We never know when we may need help. The message to the right is hard-hitting, but it is the reality for the year 2020 has been. This Christmas will be very different for many families around the globe, so we need to make it our mission to help where we can.
“A picture speaks a thousand words”
The difference in donations between 2019 and 2020 is indescribable.
If you are donating, please be aware that babies are being catered for the most. Teenage boys age 12-18 have little to no donations. Emphasize supporting this category and if you are unsure what to donate have a look at the infographic Cash for Kids created.
They also made an Amazon list to make it easy for those who want to donate with gift ideas under each age category. If you wish to donate this link can be found here, and donations are welcome until Friday 18th December.
Launched at the end of November, Caroline O Neill who owns Digg Mama created a campaign ‘Digg Deep for Kids’. This campaign focuses on raising money for Cash for Kids NI, Women’s Aid NI and CiNI (Children in Northern Ireland).
Back in October Caroline posted a video of her son Darragh which went viral, reaching over 1.1million views on Instagram and even made its way on to ITV news. Caroline wanted to make it matter and used the video as an opportunity to make a difference to so many children’s life this Christmas. With help from friends, Darragh launched his very own Charity Single ‘I’m a Busy Man’.
Through Darragh’s single,you can donate by downloading or purchasing a hardcopy, or you can donate to ‘Digg Deep for Kids’ through this link, with various options to give to three very deserving charities.
In three weeks, Caroline has raised £92,224.25, with three more days still left to donate.
An astonishing amount, which will make a massive difference to many children’s lives.
Hartlepool Giving Tree is an amazing incentive which I found on Instagram a couple of weeks ago. Although all donations closed on 10th December, it is something you can think about giving to next Christmas.
The steps were simple and plenty of £££ is not needed to get involved.
Children of all ages asking for simple things; a book, ball, barbie, some clothes. These are children who have escaped domestic violence, being forced to flee their homes quickly leaving all their possessions behind. Without this charity, these children may not receive a gift at Christmas.
With 174,730 presents bought, that is 174,730 children who will have something to open on Christmas day!
This is what it is about.
Although we may not see it, children and young people can experience domestic violence in many ways. Every child’s experience will be different. Children and young people can be witnesses of violence, they may overhear it and they may also experience physical and emotional abuse directly.
Just as every child’s experience of domestic violence is different, every child will be affected differently. Domestic violence can impact all areas of children and young people’s lives, including, health, education, the development of relationships, recreation and social activities.
If you can give something this Christmas, please do. Any donation, small or large will make a massive difference to a child’s life.
Let’s help children who need it most!
Courtney McGoldrick is a third year BSc in Communication, Advertising & Marketing student at Ulster University. She can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter.