Popular Sunderland landmarks have been lit in green over the festive period to raise awareness of a children’s charity.
The campaign is taking place across major cities in the UK, aiming to raise awareness for the NSPCC’s Christmas campaign, “Light for Every Childhood”, with landmarks being lit in a bright green colour in order to educate on the large number of children who may be facing personal and family issues over the Christmas period.
Kirsty Taylor, junior media officer for the North East NSPCC, said: “Over the festive period, thousands of children will contact Childline feeling alone and unloved. Sadly, one in three calls to Childline this Christmas will go unanswered. Just £20 means our specially-trained counsellors can answer another five children this Christmas. One in five children in the UK suffers abuse and, every year, Childline counsellors around the country answer calls from children suffering their darkest hour.”
The “Get Your Sparkle On” campaign will be holding events across Sunderland encouraging the public to dress in sparkly clothing and take part in fundraising events such as baking sparkly cakes and arranging festive mini-markets which have been supported by the Sunderland Business Board.
Katy Carmen, fundraising manager for the Get Your Sparkle on Campaign, said: “It’s easy for anyone to take part in Get Your Sparkle On this December – whether you’re just wearing a sparkly jumper, or organising a sparkling bake-off at work, every single penny raised will go towards helping children and young people get the help they need this Christmas.”
The NSPCC’s ChildLine provides trained counsellors who answer calls from children every day, and with a donation of just £3, you can help a child receive the help they need through a simple phone call. For more information on how you can get involved visit www.nspcc.org.uk