Could you make a Christmas wish come true for a child harmed by crime?

November 4, 2022

Businesses in Cambridgeshire are being asked to help a local charity make Christmas special for children harmed by crime.

Peterborough-based children’s charity Embrace Child Victims of Crime (Embrace CVoC) runs its annual Dear Santa appeal to provide gifts of choice for children living in low income families whose lives have been torn apart by crime.

Some of the children are grieving the loss of their mum, dad, brother, sister or other family member who’ve been killed by crime. Others have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse, violence or exploitation or have been living in a home torn apart by domestic violence. Police, social services or support charities refer them to Embrace CVoC to get the support they need.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of supporters 1,463 children and young people received at least one gift to open on Christmas Day.

Embrace CVoC is looking for businesses who are willing to donate to the appeal or to encourage their staff to buy a gift or make a donation.

Anne Campbell, Chief Executive of Embrace CVoC, said: “We work with families who are often doubly disadvantaged – their lives have been torn apart by crime and because of what’s happened they are living in poverty. Many of them come to us having suffered harrowing experiences they are struggling to comprehend.

“We know lots of the families we support are struggling this year because of the cost of living crisis. Please give generously if you can and help us spread smiles on Christmas Day.”

How it works
Each child referred to Dear Santa chooses one gift up to £35. These gifts are now available for the public to buy on the charity’s website.

To buy a gift visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk/dear-santa-2022

You can also donate any amount to the appeal here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DearSanta2022