Newsquest, a UK local media group, has teamed up with its charity partner the NSPCC, a UK children’s charity, to run a group-wide campaign this Christmas.
Newsquest says it is asking readers to help bring hope to children over the festive season by either donating cash or buying toys through its Christmas appeal.
As Christmas approaches, children across the country will be asking parents and carers countless questions about the mysteries of this annual festival like ‘how can a reindeer fly?’ or ‘how will Santa visit everyone in just one night?’.
But Newsquest says the NSPCC’s Childline counsellors will hear from a child every 45 seconds who needs an answer to a more serious question – not about the joy of Christmas, but about how to cope with abuse or loneliness.
The campaign is asking readers to make a £20 donation to Childline to help ensure children can get the support they need.
Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “There were almost 5,500 counselling sessions delivered by Childline to children and young people last Christmas, over the phone and online. At a time when children should be asking about Santa and when they can open their presents, thousands of children need support on how to stay safe from abuse, how to cope, and how to stop feeling so lonely.
“Our partnership with Newsquest Media Group this year has been a fantastic way to share important information about our services and campaigns. And we are so grateful to the company and all its news titles for sharing the campaign, which will raise vital funds and help our Childline counsellors be there to answer children’s questions this Christmas.”
A donation of £20 could help counsellors answer calls from five children, added the publisher.
Newsquest says if readers would prefer to purchase toys or gifts instead they can do so via this Amazon Wishlist here.
Henry Faure Walker, Newsquest CEO, said: “It has been a delight to be able to support the NSPCC throughout this year – and I hope that we can spread some festive cheer by helping them to raise as much funds as possible to help children this Christmas.”
Newsquest says it has provided the NSPCC with at least £6m worth of advertising support this year across its extensive portfolio of titles, online and in print.
The NSPCC Christmas appeal will run across Newsquest’s 200+ UK titles in print, as well as online reaching a monthly digital audience of over 50 million users.
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