Travel suppliers have stepped in to support an independent agency’s initiative to help local families in need this Christmas.
Newquay agency L&K Travel, run by husband and wife Jess and Laurie Gardener, launched a Christmas appeal last year to ensure every child across the town received a present.
This year, they say the need is even greater and they are stepping up efforts to spread the Christmas cheer even further and plan to help more families and households.
Jess said: “We bought a little Santa’s letterbox last year and asked the community of Newquay to anonymously nominate people who they felt needed help at Christmas, or to put themselves forward.”
With donations from the local community, they were able to provide presents for 68 families and donate 15 food parcels to the elderly.
This year, they have teamed up with local mortgage broker James Savage, who has run Christmas community initiatives for several years.
Together, they’ve launched the Newquay Community Christmas project, which includes a GoFundMe campaign, Amazon Wish List and a fundraising day on 21 December with tombola prizes on offer, including some donated by travel companies.
Several suppliers have donated prizes for the fundraising day. EasyJet holidays has given a £500 holiday voucher; Travelpack has given a Virgin Wines hamper and Domes Resorts has provided an Experience Voucher. Gold Medal, Sportsbreaks, Exeter Airport, Travelsphere and Just You have also donated.
The project will then culminate in a community donation event at a local church on 22 and 23 December, where people in need can choose an unwrapped gift to give to someone else. Other organisations will also attend, including the Salvation Army and Newquay Food Bank, which will donate hot meals.
Jess said: “The local foodbank told me they were helping between 250 and 300 people a week last year. Now it’s just under 600. Nothing has got easier in the past year, and we are expecting to help well over 100 families this Christmas.
“As a parent of two little ones, I would never want to imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning thinking that Father Christmas missed them. Or having no food on Christmas Day. It’s just an awful thought.
“People may not understand that someone donating a small toy could lead to the best present that child gets all year.”
“We also know a lot of the elderly community will be alone this year, or perhaps unable to buy for their spouse.”
Jess added: “The generosity of the travel companies who have helped out with prizes has blown my mind and we are so grateful.”
If anyone would like to donate, please click the QR codes below or email Jess and Laurie at: [email protected]
