KCC’s Corporate Parenting team and The Young Lives Foundation reached out to corporate partners and businesses across Kent in December, to raise the funds needed to give each of our 2000 care leavers a £10 voucher for Christmas.
For many of our young care leavers aged 18-25 years, it was their first Christmas on their own as they move on to live independently and not with a foster family or family of their own. This can be an extremely lonely and isolating time for them when support is needed more than ever.
There was a huge response from local businesses and communities and as a result all of Kent’s Care Leavers received a gift and a little Christmas cheer and will go on to benefit from enhanced support in 2023.
In addition to the donations from local and national businesses such as Waitrose, John Lewis, CoOp, Vardy Foundation, Creed Outdoor Learning, Ready Homes and local Rotary Clubs money was raised from a number of fundraising activities within KCC including a Member’s Raffle, staff lottery and raffles, a bake off and a raffle to guess the length of Senior Business Support Officer, Permila Clare’s hair at 47cm which she cut and donated to The Little Princess Trust.
“I am absolutely delighted by the huge success of the Christmas Appeal for 2022, especially during this period of financial uncertainty for all.”
Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services said: “I am absolutely delighted by the huge success of the Christmas Appeal for 2022, especially during this period of financial uncertainty for all.
“All of Kent’s young people deserve to feel valued and cared for and have happiness at Christmas and I know that, thanks to the generosity afforded this appeal by so many, our care leavers were given this gift and more.
“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who donated to this wonderful appeal and to all the staff and members at KCC and everyone at the Young Lives Foundation for their hard work and determination in making this happen and exceeding our target. Well done and thank you.”
Stephen Gray, CEO of The Young Lives Foundation said: “We were absolutely delighted with the support of the Christmas Campaign this year which meant we were able to deliver (literally) on our goal of ensuring every care leaver received a gift at Christmas.
“The support from national and local businesses, organisations and individuals surprised us all and the additional monies will now mean the corporate parent can offer enhanced support to care leavers in 2023. Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign.”
ENDS.
Note for editors
KCC Corporate Parenting
The term corporate parenting describes the responsibilities the local authority has to improve the outcomes and life chances of the children we look after, supporting them to reach their full potential. Read more in the children in care and care leavers strategy.
Young Lives Foundation
The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award-winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy, Mentoring, Befriending and Activity Programmes. Go to the Young Lives Foundation website.
