Give an extra gift to make families happy

12:10pm Friday 21st November 2008

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BUY an extra gift to make someone’s Christmas this year – that’s the message from the Brunel Centre’s management as they launch their Christmas Gift Appeal.

The appeal will be launched at noon on Monday at the Brunel Centre in Wharf Green and is supported by the Adver and Swindon Town Football Club.

Three charities – Swindon Women’s Refuge, the Great Western Hospital’s children’s ward and the Variety Club of Great Britain – will benefit from the appeal receiving special gifts to see them through a tough Christmas.

Mark Martin, deputy manager of the shopping centre, said: “Christmas is of course a time for giving and generosity, and we at the Brunel Centre feel it’s important while we’re all getting ready for fun we should bear in mind that some children may have a difficult time this Christmas.

“These are the three causes we felt were particularly worthwhile. Children and mums who are not at home this year will really appreciate having gifts to open when they’re perhaps not able to spend Christmas Day with all their family and friends.

“It can also be a stressful time for children and their mums and dads to be in hospital when everyone else is at home celebrating, so if Santa turns up with some surprise gifts it will hopefully help make Christmas Day a great success.

“As well as that we are supporting the Variety Club’s bid to help other disadvantaged children in the community who won’t otherwise be getting presents this Christmas morning – we think it’s a great charity for kids.”

The donated gifts will help give children who may be finding life a bit difficult at the moment a great Christmas. And it’s simple to give a gift. You can leave it in one of the appeal boxes in the Brunel Centre, or drop it off at the Adver’s reception at 100 Victoria Road, Old Town.

Swindon Town Football Club also have an appeal box in the Legends’ Lounge at the County Ground.

The gift should be brand new – such as toys, puzzles, books, games, toiletries, fashion or jewellery in its original container but it shouldn’t be gift-wrapped or perishable – so no food or drink, please.