Huge Success: Mother Christmas' 2023 donation appeal helped disadvantaged kids enjoy Christmas

January 9, 2024

Huge Success: Mother Christmas' donation appeal helped disadvantaged kids enjoy Christmas

Mother Christmas, Jeanette Walsh, has said a big and sincere thank you to all of her ‘Christmas Helpers’ in and around Northamptonshire who has helped make 2023’s gift appeal so successful!

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust has received a wide selection of donations consisting of gifts, food hampers, toys, toiletries, gift vouchers, soft toys and monetary donations that has helped disadvantaged families, children and teenagers enjoy the magic of Christmas.

The donated gifts have been distributed across the county to individuals working within Children and Young Peoples Services covering the areas of Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton and Wellingborough and Rushden.

Mother Christmas was also able to supply gifts to safeguarding teams, leaving care teams, special guardianship team, children in care council team, the contact centre, looked after children’s teams, five children’s homes and early help teams. All of the help and support Mother Christmas has received for the 2023 appeal allowed her to supply gifts to teams across the county!

Easter is coming up and Mother Christmas will be looking to collect Easter eggs to distribute across the county so keep an eye out on socials and website to find out how you can donate!

Please see below stories from families who have received gifts from Mother Christmas in 2023 and find out how your donation helped a family enjoy Christmas:

Huge Success: Mother Christmas' 2023 donation appeal helped disadvantaged kids enjoy Christmas

Other News

Rare black poplar trees planted at Wicksteed Park

As a part of National Tree Week last month, running from November 25th until December 3rd, Wicksteed Park planted 13 rare black poplar trees on the estate's South Meadow. This is apart of a local couple's efforts to reintroduce the species to Northamptonshire.

Wicksteed Park Launched New Hedgehog Charter

Hedgehogs play a vital role within our ecosystems, predating on pest species such as beetles and grubs, aerating the soil and dispersing seeds. They are a gardener’s best friend! Their presence is a good sign of a healthy environment. Hedgehogs live in a variety of habitats including woodland, farmland, parks and gardens. They can also thrive in urban areas.

Santa Paws in the Park 2024

Wicksteed Park has moved to diversify its festive offering to ensure all the family have a magical time this Christmas. As well as its hugely-popular festive experience and legendary Christmas Party Nights, the park launched its exciting new Santa Paws in the Park dog competition, giving local pooches the chance to join in the fun. Visitors to the park can also join in the fun at the Twist and Shout at Christmas Day Time Shows in the majestic pavilion.

Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child and nieces and nephews."

Emma

"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."

India

"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"

Claire

"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."

Shelley

"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."

Robert

"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."