The CEO Sleepout Fund supported Footprints in the Community to host a free Christmas event for children and families in Redcar.
A £500 grant helped fund hot meals, gifts, books, crafts, games and a visit from Santa, giving more than 50 children and their families a festive day out without cost getting in the way.
When Christmas puts pressure on families
For many families, Christmas brings extra pressure. Food, gifts, travel and festive activities all cost money, and those costs can quickly become unmanageable when household budgets are already stretched.
For parents and carers, that can mean saying no to things other families are able to do: a visit to Santa, a day out, a new book, a small gift, or a hot meal together.
The CEO Sleepout Fund supports charities and projects tackling homelessness and poverty across the UK. Through Point North, funding reaches local organisations that can respond quickly and practically when families need support.
Footprints’ story: the magic of Christmas is for everyone
Footprints in the Community supports people in Redcar and the surrounding area through practical projects, including food support, community activity and help for families facing hardship.
With a £500 grant from the CEO Sleepout Fund, the team hosted a free Christmas Extravaganza Lunch Box event at their Community Café.
More than 50 children and their families came along. Every child received a hot meal, a selection box from Santa, a free book to take home and a personal reply to their letter to Santa, delivered that same day.
There were craft activities, party games led by the Grinch and plenty of laughter. For some children, it was the first time they had ever seen Santa.
As Footprints explained:
“Many parents told us they simply couldn’t afford to visit Santa this year. This event meant their children didn’t miss out.”
One mum came to the event with her three young children. She told the Footprints team that they were struggling with the demands of Christmas. Friends were going on the Santa Express, but that was not something she could afford. Her children had a brilliant time at the event and she later told Footprints, “the kids had such a positive time, it really made their Christmas.”
Small grants can make a big difference
The event gave children a Christmas experience their families might not otherwise have been able to afford. It also gave parents and carers a welcoming place to be, with food, activity and support around them.
Small grants can make a very practical difference. In Redcar, £500 meant children could eat, play, meet Santa, take home a gift and be part of something festive and joyful.
Through the CEO Sleepout Fund, Point North helps funding reach organisations that know their communities and can act quickly. For Footprints in the Community, that meant families under pressure could enjoy a festive day together without worrying about the cost.