The Mirror, Sunday Mirror, Reach’s regional titles and Save the Children are launching Save a kid’s Christmas – because, they say, no child should be starved of food and fun this festive season.
The Save a kid’s Christmas appeal launches today and will run until the end of December 2020.
According to the Social Mobility Foundation there are now 4.2 million children living in poverty, 600,000 more than in 2011-2012. This figure is projected to rise to 5.2 million by 2022.
Natasha Kaplinksy said, “I’ve seen a lot of poverty in my 10 years as an ambassador for Save the Children. When I visit this amazing charity’s work in Britain and abroad, two things always strike me. The first is that so many families are barely surviving without basics the rest of us take for granted. The second is that no matter how tough their start in life, children are full of hope for the future. So today, I’m appealing to you to protect the magic of Christmas by giving whatever you can to Save a Kid's Christmas for Save the Children. You’ll be lighting up the faces of children who wrote to Santa because they believe in the power of Christmas magic”.
In an exclusive article written by Tony Blair in the Mirror he said, “Never has the task of tackling child poverty been more urgent. I call on the government to recommit to the task of bearing down on child poverty.”
Alison Phillips, Mirror editor-on-chief said, “Earlier this year we highlighted the child poverty crisis. Now the pandemic has made things worse. Millions of children and families are experiencing unnecessary hardship. The Mirror’s association with Save the Children goes back to the charity’s very beginnings. With Save a kid’s Christmas we are pledging that no kids should be starved of food and fun this festive season and beyond.”
Kevin Watkins, chief executive of Save the Children UK, said: “The Mirror’s brilliant campaigning for social justice has transformed countless lives over the years. Readers now have a chance to change the lives of children facing a cold, hungry Christmas. A little money makes a big difference to families who are struggling to afford a hot meal. Any donation to the Mirror’s appeal will help Save the Children to protect the magic of Christmas.”
