Christmas appeal

West Studios marks landmark anniversary for tenant Junction Arts with Christmas giving tree

This year, to celebrate West Studios tenant and charity, Junction Arts 45th Anniversary, West Studios are hosting their first Christmas Giving Tree celebrating the work they have done across North East Derbyshire, Bolsover district and Chesterfield.

Junction Arts is a community arts charity embedded within communities facing social barriers such as poverty, poor mental health and isolation. They work across the community in care homes, schools, youth clubs and directly with families offering opportunities to be creative, learn new skills and create lasting and supportive friendships. Best known for their events Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade, the charity is also hosting Chesterfield’s first lantern parade on the 19th December.

West Studios is supporting Junction Arts campaign to raise £3000 this Christmas to go towards new projects and events to celebrate what matters most to communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator, West Studios said: “Junction Arts are a fantastic organisation that uses the arts to bring communities together and help our most isolated and vulnerable. Their values align closely with those of West Studios which is why our community believes it’s so important to give them support, especially at Christmas when those isolated and vulnerable individuals are at more risk.”

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Through the generous support of individuals, local businesses and our incredible volunteers, Junction Arts has been able to carry our aim of bringing our communities back together safely and confidently in 2021! The support of the West Studios Giving Tree signifies our plans to continue vital creative activities which empower lives and create strong and supportive friendships within our communities.”

To support Junction Arts, West Studios is welcoming people to visit the Gallery Shop reception to see the tree, donate and find out more about the charity.  You can also donate directly through Junction Arts online giving page:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/18702#!/DonationDetails

Donations will support local creative workshops giving isolated and vulnerable older people the chance to reconnect with their community; help the charity to create events that give young families the space and time to make magical memories together; and offer opportunities for young people to learn new skills, building their confidence to reach new heights.

West Studios and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Kids Planet North Wingfield exceeds target for Operation Christmas Child appeal

Kids Planet North Wingfield has exceeded its target of filling 100 boxes for the ‘Operation Christmas Child’ appeal.

The nursery has been busy filling 108 boxes for children in need. Not only that, the group has raised £600, which covers the cost of sending each shoebox around the world. Each gift has a unique barcode meaning the senders are able to track where they have travelled too from over 100 countries.

The children at nursery have written letters and drawn pictures to go into the shoeboxes, and staff have been teaching the nursery children about children in need around the world and about the importance of kindness and giving.

Sophie Hoyland, Nursery Manager at Kids Planet North Wingfield, said: “Personally, I have always done these shoeboxes every year from being a child.  Myself and the whole team have been very passionate about this and decided to register as a collection point to try and collect as many boxes as possible.

“The team has worked so hard to collect the shoeboxes and raise money. We reached out to our local community and have had lots of members of the public dropping off completed shoeboxes or items to go into them, for which we have been very grateful.

“Our parents have been amazing and have donated so many boxes. Not only that, they have donated money, bought raffle tickets, and taken part in fundraising games, which has all contributed to making this possible. We have been overwhelmed with all of the support.”

The company also runs several other nurseries across North Derbyshire, including in Chesterfield, Sheepbridge, Brampton and Newbold. The group aims to provide the very best education and care for each child, catering for babies through to preschool by following the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage).

Kids Planet supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Spireites launch Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021

Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021 has been launched by Chesterfield FC, with a huge amount of donations coming in of the first day of the campaign.

Sponsored by CRS Accident Repair, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who receive free school meals.

Spireites marketing manager Bridget Ball said: “There was a fantastic response when we introduced Chester’s Toy Appeal last year, with many local businesses and individuals kindly donating toys.

“We are looking to provide even more toys this year for children who would otherwise go without at Christmas.

“Every child should have a present to open on Christmas Day and we are doing all we can to put smiles on faces.”

The donation of unwrapped new toys for children aged 0-18 years is requested, and the appeal has got off to a flying start, with over £3,000 worth of toy donations pledged by the end of the first day.

Bridget added: “I am overwhelmed with the response in such a short space of time.

“It shows just how caring people are in the local community and how the club and the Community Trust can make a real difference.”

The toys should be taken to Chester’s Den play centre at the Technique Stadium, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday (except on a matchday).

The club has also launched other initiatives recently to support local people and businesses in the area. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/11/chesterfield-fc-supports-businesses-and-residents-with-latest-initiatives/

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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