Helping the less fortunate

After another year of economic uncertainty, there is certainly no shortage of excuses for being a miser this Christmas.

Brexit, falling wages and the continued government policy of austerity makes for the perfect Scrooge conditions.

Why give generously when times are so tight?

Well, because it’s the right thing to do.

And in Sunderland, the people have once again put their own personal hardship to one side to help those less fortunate than themselves. We do the right thing. Our Toy Appeal is a great barometer of this generosity.

We launched this in partnership with the Hope 4 Kidz charity and once again have been bowled over by the support in the community.

More than 3,600 gifts from across Wearside and surrounding communities were donated to the cause.

That makes it the most successful appeal we have run with this hardworking charity. To do so in such straightened times is a fantastic effort.

And who do these gifts help? Hope 4 Kidz aims to help support the wellbeing of children and young people, many suffering from a physical or mental disability.

They are a children’s charity which receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of others.

In our community, that generosity has been, in the words of charity cheerleader Viv Watts, astounding.

She added: “We have been left speechless. People’s response has been fabulous.”

With the turmoils of Brexit and big economic woes, there are many more uncertainties in life. Thank goodness your generosity isn’t one of them.