The Christ the King Sixth Forms and EKC Group Christmas appeal has raised more than £10,000 in donations and gifts
Christmas this year will be a challenging time for many vulnerable families, with the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis, now is a more important time than ever to help those in need.
This year’s Christmas Gift Appeal and charity art auction, being organised by Christ The King Sixth Forms (CTK) and EKC Group are hoping to do exactly that.
Now in its third year, the campaign run by husband-and-wife team Shireen Razey (Executive Principal of Christ the King Sixth Forms) and Graham Razey (Chief Executive at EKC Group) targets those in need, spreading festive cheer through the collaboration, with donations and gifts totalling over £10,000 so far.
This year the gifts and money raised will go towards child hospice charity Demelza, domestic abuse charity Refuge, homelessness group Porchlight and the St Vincent De Paul Society, which tackles poverty and disadvantage.
Shireen Razey, Executive Principal of Christ the King Catholic Sixth Forms said: “We are delighted to be supporting our annual Christmas Gift Appeal again this year. Since we began the campaign on the back of the pandemic in 2019, we have made a real difference to countless children in need.
“The cost of living crisis means now more than ever, families are facing real hardship, and we really hope we can make a difference to those at Christmas time. CTK staff and students contribute hugely to social action work within the local community throughout the year, and we are always touched at how we all work together to ensure the Christmas Gift Appeal is such a success to help ensure Christmas is special for families in need.”
The art auction, which is running via this webpage, sees students and staff from across the two College groups donating artworks to be sold for charity. Bidding closes Thursday 15 December, with items being sent out before Christmas Day.
Graham Razey, Chief Executive of EKC Group, said: “This can be the most magical time of the year for young people across the country. However, it can also be a really difficult time for families who are less fortunate within our communities.
“We started this appeal three years ago with the clear aim of ensuring that everyone was able to share in the joy of Christmas and since then I’m incredibly proud that we’ve managed to raise thousands of pounds for charities across the South East, as well as collecting and distributing thousands of presents for young people.
“I’m really excited about this year and am hoping it’ll be our best yet, with some absolutely fantastic pieces of art in our charitable auction!”
This year’s Christmas Gift Appeal follows the success of the previous two outings, which have seen more than 4,500 gifts sent out to young people across Kent and South London.
Suggestions for items that can be donated include toys, puzzles, colouring/puzzle books, gift vouchers, toiletries, chocolates, biscuits and hot beverages.
The deadline for donating gifts is Wednesday 14 December.
