Charity asks lotto players to give gift of Christmas dinner to young care leavers

A local charity is reigniting its mission to give young Middlesbrough care leavers a Christmas Day they won’t forget – and they need your help.

The Christmas Dinner Middlesbrough and Teesside seeks to provide a Christmas dinner and gifts for the second year in a row.

The charity joined the Middlesbrough Lottery last year, and successfully raised over £250 for their cause.

Alexa Robinson, spokesperson for the charity, said: “Last year was the first time we provided a Christmas dinner and presents to young care leavers. It was a step into the unknown and we didn’t know how successful it would be.

“Luckily it was an overwhelming success, and we managed to host around 25 young care leavers based in the local area. This year we’re hoping to go even bigger – we want to invite up to 50 to come and join us for a delicious meal and a fun day.”

The cost-of-living crisis has affected both demand for the charity to provide these dinners, and their ability to raise funds.

Alexa added: “A lot of these care leavers are living in accommodation on their own for the first time. As is the case with most of us now, there is extra pressure on finances, with rising bills and the cost of everyday items going up.

“It’s more important than ever for us to provide them with an amazing Christmas experience.

“This year we’re focussing on giving the care leavers more practical gifts, like coats and blankets to keep them warm.”

The charity has appreciated support from the Middlesbrough Lottery in achieving their aims.

Alexa said: “I would recommend that any charity or good cause trying to raise money should join the Middlesbrough Lottery. Any extra way to raise money has got to be seen as a positive and every penny we get from the Middlesbrough Lottery goes straight to helping our cause.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us so far, we really appreciate the support we get from the Middlesbrough Lottery.”

If you’re part of a good cause that needs extra funding, you can sign your cause up for free on the good causes page of the website.