Children in care at the heart of Mayor of Lewisham's Winter Appeal

Working with the 999 Club and Voluntary Services Lewisham (VSL), Christmas gifts will be delivered to Lewisham children who have been placed in care and also children from homeless and refugee families.

The 999 Club is a Deptford-based charity that works all year round to support people and families with children experiencing homelessness. Donations to the 999 Club will go towards purchasing toiletries packs and household goods for children moving into a new home.

VSL has been supporting vulnerable Lewisham residents, including children and teenagers, for over 50 years. Donations to VSL will buy stocking fillers or a full Christmas parcel for a vulnerable child.

Donations can be made online on the Mayor of Lewisham’s Winter Appeal website:

• £5 will buy stocking fillers or a book for a child
• £15 will buy a toiletries pack for children moving into a new home
• £25 will buy a toaster and kettle for a family with children moving into a new home, or a full Christmas parcel with a large toy and smaller gifts

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
“Vulnerable children are at the heart of my appeal this year. 2021 has been another difficult year and poverty has never been as high as it is now in Lewisham. Instead of feeling the pressure to buy, buy, buy at this time of year I ask that people consider making a small donation to support children in care, children of homeless families and our refugee children. I know how incredibly generous Lewisham’s residents can be and your small donation can make a big difference.”

Tom Neumark, CEO of the 999 Club, said:
“The services we offer provide a sense of security, a place to escape the cold, somewhere to have a hot meal and a warm shower. When people come to 999 Club, they do not feel invisible or ignored, but understand that we are there to help them, whether with debt advice, mental health support or finding somewhere safe to sleep that night. We help, on average, nearly 700 people a year who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in South-East London. The funds raised from this appeal will enable us to help people, particularly families with children, at a real time of crisis.”

Melissa Tettey, CEO at Voluntary Services Lewisham, said:
“Last year, in partnership with Lewisham Salvation Army, we supported over 2900 individuals, purchasing toys, gift vouchers, books and festive treats. This year with intersecting crises impacting people during winter we expect the demand to increase. Our Christmas project is vital for many isolated individuals and vulnerable families and children, who find this time of year particularly challenging. We are delighted to be chosen by the Mayor as one of his Charities for the 2021 Winter Appeal, we hope to bring festive cheer to those in need.”