Douglas & Gordon collects over 6.5 tonnes of food to fill Christmas hampers for London's vulnerable children at the company's 3rd annual Kids Company charity day

Douglas & Gordon staff collecting donations for the 3rd annual D&G/ Kids Company Charity Day

Douglas & Gordon, leading London estate agents, once again took to the streets on Thursday 6th December, one of the coldest days of the year so far, for the third annual D&G Charity Day in aid of the children’s charity - Kids Company. Over 350 removal boxes were filled across the company’s 19 offices, weighing over 6.5 tonnes to create Christmas hampers for London’s vulnerable children.

This year master removers, Anthony Ward Thomas supported the charity day by providing lorries, removal men and boxes for the day to help transport donations from the D&G offices to the Kids Company Headquarters in Blackfriars. The day was also supported by The Keyholding Co who helped collect donations across their network.

The items, ranging from packets of pasta to luxury boxes of chocolates, were packed into thousands of individual hampers by Douglas & Gordon staff, ready to be handed out at Christmas to the 17,000 children that are looked after by Kids Company.

As well as food and 750 toys, Douglas & Gordon collected over £10,000 from generous donors within Douglas & Gordon territory.

Ivor Dickinson, managing director of Douglas & Gordon’s says: “Once again we have been amazed by the generosity of homeowners and businesses within D&G land. Although in the previous years we have collected over 8.5 tonnes, but considering the recession it is no surprise that the total donations weighed in at 6.5 tonnes. We are we are still astonished by the amount received which will create hampers for thousands of Kids Company families most in need over Christmas. We would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to this worthwhile cause with special thanks to Anthony Ward Thomas and The Keyholding Co for their support this year.”

He adds: “I have never been so proud of each and every member of staff who worked from dusk to dawn to help collect as many items as possible.”

Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of Kids Company, said: “We are thrilled that this year the Douglas & Gordon staff have collected even more amounts of food, toys and donations. All of these donations will help create even more Christmas hampers for London’s vulnerable children.”

Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children. Their services reach 17,000 children across London, including the most deprived and at risk whose parents are unable to care for them due to their own practical and emotional challenges.

These exceptionally vulnerable children not only negotiate significant challenges in their family homes, they also face immense threat within their neighbourhoods. Often they are exposed to relentless violence, some are forced into working as drug couriers or prostitutes, and many experience chronic abuse.

Kids Company provides a safe, caring, family environment where support is tailored to the needs of each individual. Their services and support empower children who have experienced enormous challenges to lead positive and fulfilling lives. Despite great difficulties, the children are hugely courageous and embrace the support offered.

For more information please contact www.kidsco.org.uk  

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Kids Co Day 2012