Youngsters have a ball at party
HOPE 4 KIDZ’ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT PROVES A HUGE SUCCESS WITH ITS SPECIAL GUESTS
Fun and games were on the menu for children who attended a very special Christmas party at the weekend.
More than 400 children from across the North East were invited to go along to the event on Sunday, organised by Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz.
The free event gives youngsters, all struggling to overcome long-term illness, disability or other issues such as poverty and abuse, to forget their problems and an enjoy an afternoon of fun.
Guests had the chance to meet Santa, have their faces painted, take part in a host of party games, dance the afternoon away as well meet the ‘Super Heroes’. Pets corner was also on hand, thanks to Steve Lucock, where children could meet Roly Poly the Skunk, Flower the Meerkat, rabbits, snakes and owls.
Viv Watts, from Hope 4 Kidz, said: “The afternoon was amazing. It was chaos but everyone had a great day and, of course, Santa was very popular with our guests, all keen to tell him what they would like in their stockings.
“I must also thank our volunteers, who helped make the party the success that it was, and of course Illusions Nightclub for once again donating the use of the club as well as Hays Travel and St James’s Foundation for sponsoring the event.”
Every child received a selection box from Santa to take home at the end of the afternoon.
The Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal is run in conjunction with Hope 4 Kidz. Every year we ask for your help to make Christmas special for a child in need. If you would like to make a donation to our appeal the closing date is Monday, December 17. Drop off points can be found at local stores and businesses across Wearside.