A generous donor contributed a whopping £2,500 to Blackburn Secret Santa’s JustGiving last week.
Secret Santa is once again working to give the most disadvantaged children in the area a wonderful and cheery Christmas as possible.
The local community interest company has partnered with The Salvation Army to deliver gifts to children living in poverty across Blackburn with Darwen.
One selfless man named John Chamley, donated £2,500 to Secret Santa last Wednesday (October 12) sharing that he wants to repay the kindness after, when he was 10, ‘a charity for fatherless children’ supported him through his dad’s death.
Phil Boulding, managing director at Secret Santa CIC said: “Because of the appeal we have been running we were just blown away when a donation for £2,500 came in the other day.
"I’d never experienced such a gift. It’s made such a difference. John Chamley, if you are out there, reading this – thank you so much for your kindness.”
Phil shared that with the cost-of-living crisis, there will be too many people in Blackburn with Darwen struggling more than ever this year.
He said: “Some people don’t understand if they’ve never experienced poverty. I can remember coming home as a child, the electric had been cut off.
“I could never bring friends home from school because of the embarrassment if candles were burning and no TV was on.
“We know that thousands of great people across the country are doing good deeds everywhere, and that we aren’t alone during the cost-of-living crisis.
"But for Blackburn with Darwen we’re local and focus on our local people. We support all communities as well as the disadvantaged, sick and disabled.”
Phil added that he is 'appreciative of Blackburn Mall for allowing us to be in the shop, rent free, and the support they have given to us since we arrived.'
After BBC Breakfast spotlighted the vital work the team were doing, they received a flurry of donations.
He said: “As a result of the broadcast about 25 people donated to our JustGiving page – generating a £1,000 of donations.”
A total of £5,047 and counting has been raised as part of the fundraiser – just over a fifth of their target.
Maureen Bateson, a former councillor and previously head of BwD children’s services and a patron of Secret Santa said: “Without the work of Secret Santa and generosity of others, lots of children and families would do without, and even if we can make only a small difference to their often difficult lives and bring a smile to a child’s face – we feel we’ve done our job.
“Giving and sharing genuinely brings so much joy and satisfaction to the giver.”
Anyone wanting to donate a new toy or selection box can visit in the town centre store or can donate money online here or by calling Phil on 07866 566166.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here