Gail Porter has formally launched LOVE Gorgie Farm’s Big Christmas Mission appeal, looking to bring some festive cheer to children and young people in need.
The Edinburgh-born celebrity has joined LOVE Learning, the education and social care charity that owns the farm, to reach out to the community and urged it to play its part by donating wrapped toys, clothing, food, and anything else they can spare.
An invite has also been extended to any local businesses or organisations that would like to get involved. These can be emailed on christmas@l-o-v-e.org.uk
If donating, please label to advise on age, sex, and product description to ensure it goes to the right recipient.
These can be donated at LOVE Gorgie Farm and there is also a GoFundMe page to make it as easy as possible for people to donate: https://bit.ly/33dXVrw
In addition to this, money raised from a series of activities in December will go onto support LOVE Gorgie Farm and the valuable work it is doing to support vulnerable children and their families.
Starting tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December) it will be creating a Santa’s Grotto within it’s stables. The Grotto will cost £10 per child and includes a gift to take home.
On Wednesdays each week, low-income families who are already users of LOVE Learning’s services be able to enjoy the Grotto for free.
Alongside this, they will also be hosting a 1-2-1 small animal handling experience for £15 per child. This will grant recipients access to the animals for half an hour and comes with a souvenir photo.
There will be a virtual light switch on today to celebrate the beginning of the Big Christmas Mission appeal.
Gail said: “This is a fantastic appeal and I would urge everyone who feels able to dig deep and do what they can to support children and families in need. I was delighted to visit the farm earlier this year just before it reopened and have very fond memories of it as a child.
“This is a fantastic charity doing valuable work in the local community and I am delighted to see it continue this through the Big Christmas Mission appeal.”
Lynn Bell, CEO of LOVE Learning, said: “We are seeking to brighten up Christmas this year for children and families in need and are asking for generous donations to help bring some much-needed joy.
“It has been a tough year for everyone and no more so than for our children and young people, so please give what you can, whatever that may be.
“Help us to bring the LOVE back to Christmas this year and for many years to come.”