'A chance to give back': Leeds businesses work together to donate over 1,000 gifts for Mission Christmas
A group of businesses in Leeds have donated more than 1,000 Christmas presents for children experiencing poverty this Christmas.
A total of 15 businesses including Evolve Construction Services, Insta Cars and MKM Builders teamed up to collect thousands of pounds worth of toys as part of Cash for Kids’ annual nationwide Mission Christmas appeal.
Other businesses involved in the initiative included Conservatory Roof Insulators, Jarose Interiors, NextGen Solar, Palmer Nurseries, and JP Electrical.
Every Christmas, charity Cash for Kids asks individuals and organisations to donate presents so that children experiencing disadvantage have gifts to open on in the festive season.
Mission Christmas is backed by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
For the past two years, Karl Wilson, General Manager at Evolve Construction Services has rallied businesses across Leeds together to support the appeal and gather as many donations as possible.
In 2024, the collective effort saw 150 presents donated to the appeal, but this year the total increased sevenfold to over 1,000 gifts. From Barbie dolls to board games, a wide range of toys have been gifted which will be given to children anywhere from two-years-old to teenagers.
Jack Morley, a social media manager in Leeds and long-time friend of Karl, first donated a gift to the appeal last year. For this Christmas, he decided to go one step further and help Karl lead the campaign to encourage as much generosity as possible.
Jack said: “I’m a big believer in trying to support people and pay things forward. For us (Mission Christmas) is just a chance to give back.”
To organise the campaign, Jack and Karl spent more than three months using their connections to encourage businesses and their customers to donate. However, they were “overwhelmed” by the generosity across the community.
Jack said: “It’s nice to see that so many people were willing to help and we’re just grateful for everyone who has got involved to make it happen. I think about the smile that will now be on children’s faces on Christmas morning - it just gives you goose bumps.”
Jack and Karl, who are both parents themselves, hope that the donations will help give children living in poverty around the country a “magical experience” this Christmas.
Yet, before Christmas has even arrived, the pair already have their sights set on how they can break their record next year.
Jack said: “This is something that we’ll be supporting every year. We're trying to bring as many businesses together to make a big impact. Who knows, maybe next year we’ll double our total again.”
The Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal is still open for financial donations. To find out more, visit their website.