The spirit of giving is in the air as the Leeds Care Leavers’ Christmas Dinner prepares for its momentous 10th anniversary! This heartwarming tradition provides a warm and welcoming Christmas experience for young adults aged 18-25 who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. To celebrate this milestone and ensure another exceptional Christmas for these young people, the organizers are pulling out all the stops.
A Festive FUNdraiser for a Worthy Cause
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at 3 pm. The venue is Slung Low in Holbeck, and the event is a festive-themed “FUNdraiser” aiming to raise £2,000 through ticket sales and engaging activities. This amount will contribute to the overall fundraising target of £5,000, with online donations also warmly welcomed to bridge the gap.
A Decade of Making a Difference
Since its inception, the Leeds Care Leavers’ Christmas Dinner has touched the lives of over 400 young people. The organizers, recognizing the growing need to maintain this vital initiative, decided to engage the public directly in this year’s fundraising efforts.
Join the Fun and Support a Cause Close to Home
The FUNdraiser promises an afternoon packed with festive cheer and opportunities to give back. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you:
- Celebrity Guest Appearance: Emmerdale’s beloved Jimmy King, played by Nick Miles, will be adding a touch of star power to the event. He’ll be drawing raffle prizes and joining in the festivities.
- Engaging Activities: Unleash your competitive spirit with a quiz hosted by actor and comedian Carolyn Eden. Try your luck at the mystery bottle bag tombola, and savor a delicious festive cheese board to tantalize your taste buds. The afternoon will be filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a chance to connect with fellow supporters of the cause.
- Sweet Treats & Exciting Prizes: The Swine That Dines is generously contributing desserts, while Manjit’s Kitchen is sweetening the deal with vouchers included in the raffle prizes. Who knows, you might just walk away with a delicious treat or a fantastic local dining experience!
Every Penny Counts
All funds raised during the FUNdraiser will go directly towards the Christmas Dinner, ensuring a truly special day for the young adults. The donations will cover venue hire, a delicious Christmas feast, thoughtful presents for each attendee, and safe transportation arrangements. Every contribution, big or small, will make a significant difference in creating a memorable and joyful Christmas experience for these young people.
Community Spirit at its Finest
“Over the years, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the support from corporate sponsors, bake sales, and online contributions,” says Lisa Holdsworth, Chair of the Leeds Care Leavers’ Christmas Dinner. “This public event is a chance to connect directly with the community and celebrate our 10th year together. We’re proud to see Leeds come together once again for this worthy cause.”
A National Initiative with Local Impact
The Leeds Care Leavers’ Christmas Dinner is part of a national initiative founded by poet Lemn Sissay. Your contributions, whether through attending the FUNdraiser or donating online via JustGiving, will not only support the local event but also contribute to the wider movement of ensuring no young person in care spends Christmas alone. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger, a national effort to spread Christmas cheer and offer a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel isolated during the holidays.
Spreading Christmas Cheer Beyond Donations
Looking to extend your support beyond donations? The organizers warmly welcome volunteers! From assisting with the “Wrapathon” in December, which involves wrapping presents for the young attendees, to lending a hand on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, there are numerous ways to contribute your time and make a real difference. Helping out with the event itself allows you to directly interact with the organizers and experience the joy of creating a special Christmas for these young adults.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving and make a positive impact on young lives!
- Tickets for the FUNdraiser: www.ticketsource.co.uk/slunglow/t-movjqzo
- Online Donations: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LeedsCareLeaversXmas
