A campaign to bring Christmas joy to cash-strapped Perthshire families is launching into action extra early this year, before we have even got to Hallowe’en.
Worrying predictions about energy costs have put anxiety and hesitation into the minds of parents everywhere as they think how to keep everybody happy this festive season.
In previous years Cheryl Fleming (45) has begun her Christmas Toy Operation Perth after the pumpkins have had their day, but with a cost-of-living crisis threatening to make this Christmas memorable for the wrong reasons, the Perth mum has got organised a month-and-a-half earlier that normal.
The kind-hearted mother is preparing to jump out of an aeroplane at Errol to get the ball rolling and to hook out some glam gear for a charity ‘90s-themed disco. Local businesses are being looked to, to offer raffle prizes to help reach the fundraising target of £1200.
Cheryl began collecting nearly new and never used toys plus some she bought herself in her North Muirton home in 2015. She used Facebook to offer books and toys to families who responded online and came to collect the gifts to give at Christmas.
Inevitably word spread and demand grew and Cheryl couldn’t move around her home for all the items donated and on their way to new homes.
So this year Cheryl has made a more formal team, getting help from three other mums Amy Fairley (40) Rachel Coull (40) and Lisa Paterson.
Christmas Toy Operation Perth has a new ‘wishlist’ method to help get exciting, wished-for toys to Fair City children.
“We have been raising money for eight years now providing kids in Perthshire with new and used toys at Christmas. These kids are desperately needing your help this Christmas,” she explained.
“For a child to receive nothing on Christmas Day breaks my heart and so this year, myself, Amy and Rachel will be kickstarting the funding with a charity skydive. If you can spare a pound or two please help us to help children in and around Perth to have a wonderful Christmas.
“In the past we haven’t stopped there, we have provided TVs, food, electricity and even a shoulder to cry on.”
Cheryl revealed one Perth home had got electric paid for and a week’s shopping as well as an Xbox from the very local Santa stand-in.
In the past, any extra money raised has been used to buy extras to make people happier at Christmas.
CATH got packs of hats and scarves for homeless service users and sweet selection boxes were bought and added to parcels going out of the Perth and Kinross Foodbank. Last year 150 sweetie stockings went out from the food bank hub at from Cutlog Vennel.
With the slogan ‘Let’s Save Christmas’, the 2022 Christmas Toy Operation Perth appeal has been launched this week.
It has had excellent profiling online since hairdresser Rachel made a video. As someone used to making YouTube videos promoting her work, Rachel was able to spread the message of what’s happening in Perth with breezy confidence.
The Perth mum who has joined Cheryl’s team explained how instead of toys coming to a central place - Cheryl’s home - this year those with something to give away are asked to make a post on the Perth Kids Christmas Operation Facebook page and those that want the item respond and organise collection.
With the matching all happening through the Perth Kids Christmas Operation Facebook page, Cheryl will hopefully be able to see her front room carpet again, not stacked to the ceiling with toys.
They will be introducing an application system too, so people get a good match for what toy their little one is particularly asking for.
Right now money is being raised to buy new toys. So far over £500 has been raised and the more collected, the more presents the Christmas Operation will be able to add to the gift piles in homes in Perthshire.
Cheryl and pals Amy and Rachel are planning to do a sponsored skydive in the next few weeks and also hold a ‘90s disco event at the Civil Service Club.
“Doing a skydive on has been on my bucket list,” Cheryl revealed. “I’m a bit of both - excited and scared if I’m honest.
“On Wednesday, November 3 at 7pm we are hosting a fun night for all at The Civvy in Perth.
“We have big goals to ensure that all children have the magical Christmas they deserve so expect lots of music, food entertainment.”
VIP table bookings are “recommended and available”, and they are gearing up to an amazing auction and raffle.
The link to the page for financial donations is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christmastoyoperationperth?utm_id=106
