Father Christmas will be appearing at the Cherry Tree Centre at 2pm this afternoon, after local Labour councillors stepped in to make the magic happen.
Cllrs Janette Williamson, Daisy Kenny and David Brennan, have dug deep in their own pockets to ensure local families don’t miss out. And as well as bringing a smile to local children’s faces, the event will also help make Christmas that bit more special for some of the most underprivileged kids in the country.
Cllr Williamson, who is also leader of Wirral Council, said that after volunteering at the Voice of Egremont grotto last weekend and seeing how much joy the event helped to bring, she wanted to spread the festive cheer that little bit further.
Cllr Williamson said, “It’s been a really tough year for a lot of people, and money’s tight for everyone, whether they’re hard-working families or local businesses. But one thing the last couple of years has shown us is why it’s so important that we make the most of the good times where we can.
“So the other ward councillors and I got together and decided that no matter what, we needed to spread a little bit of festive cheer. Everyone’s really got on board and helped out. The Voice of Egremont shared their contacts with us on where to get the grotto and the Cherry Tree centre have let us use an indoor space so we can carry on whatever the weather.
“We’ve had 200 selection boxes donated by local people and firms, and it’s fantastic to know that even in the toughest of times people in Liscard want to do their bit to make their community that little bit happier. It’s a real testament to the community spirit in this wonderful neighbourhood.”
Cllr Kenny added, “We are very grateful to Maria, Neil, Irene, Santa and all the volunteers who helped put this fantastic event together. The Voice of Egremont do so much for our community all year round. They are the epitome of generosity and community spirit.”
The grotto is free, but anyone visiting can make an optional donation, which will go to the NSPCC.
Cllr Williamson concluded, “This is a great opportunity for people not only to give their own kids a lovely little afternoon out, but to know that they’ll be doing something to show disadvantaged children that we love them and are thinking of them, too.”
Image: Mike Arney
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