Give A Gift 2024 with Hendy (The Wrap)
Give A Gift 2024 - It's Wrapped!
Over the past few weeks, Kent has shown its incredible generosity through our annual Give A Gift toy appeal, supported by Hendy Vauxhall and Peugeot Tonbridge. This heartwarming campaign brought together individuals, families, and businesses to make Christmas magical for children facing tough times.
The response has been nothing short of extraordinary. The kmfm office doorbell rang non-stop as YOU arrived with donations, and the team here had the pleasure of meeting countless amazing people in person.
Local businesses also stepped up in a big way, contributing substantial donations. Special thanks go to Biffa, Big Jig Toys, CPI Books, Paddock Wood Ambulance Station, and many more for their incredible generosity and support.
This year, we added a new dimension with a JustGiving page, and the messages left by donors were incredibly touching—children giving their pocket money, businesses contributing, and many sharing sentiments like, "I know this isn’t much, but I want to help." Every donation made a big difference!
The initial fundraising goal of £3,000 quickly became a distant memory as donations poured in, culminating in an astounding £12,659 raised.
We received even more help from Smyths Toys in Gillingham, where £10,000 was spent on the most in-demand toys. Smyths Toys generously added an extra £1,000 to the total, ensuring even more gifts could be purchased. The remaining funds were used to order special gifts for older children and teenagers.
Last week, kmfm’s team of Christmas elves, Rob, Numui, Andy and Becca delivered toys to 18 different locations, including hospitals, care facilities, and charities. Deliveries to two additional locations are planned this week with the last funds and gifts that arrived a little later.
Here are some of the places benefitting this year!
- Imago 2
- Imago 1
- Canterbury and District Early Years Project
- Home Start Shepway
- Caldecott Foundation
- Step and Learn
- WayfieldHub
- Medway Hospital
- K and C Hospital
- Ellenor
- Community Kindness Thanet
- Red Eagle Foundation
- Fostering Together
- Home Start Folkestone
- QEQM
- William Harvey Hospital
- My Shining Star
- Childs Vision
Red Eagle Foundation
QEQM - Rainbow Ward
K&C Hospital: Dolphin Ward - Children's Assessment Centre
Community Kindness Thanet
Canterbury and District Early Years Project
ellenor
Home-Start - Dover
Home-Start - Shepway
The Caldecott Foundation
Fostering Together
William Harvey - Padua Ward
Family Solutions - Wayfield Hub
Imago
Darent Valley Hospital - Willow Ward
My Shining Star
Medway Hospital - Dolphin Ward
Step and Learn
Child’s Vision
In total, an astonishing 16,200 toys were collected and distributed this year—an achievement that surpasses all expectations.
Feedback from recipient organisations has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the joy these gifts will bring to children and families in need this Christmas.
Rob Wills said "The generosity of our listeners and local businesses has completely wowed us. Together, we’ve made a massive difference to children who need it most, ensuring they feel the magic of Christmas. From everyone at kmfm and Hendy, thank you for your incredible kindness and support. Same time next year?"
What’s Give A Gift All About?
Give A Gift is about bringing joy to young people across Kent who are facing challenging times in hospitals, care facilities, or living in difficult situations.
Every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas, but sadly, many won't have a gift waiting under the tree. With your help, we’re here to change that by delivering toys and gifts that brighten their festive season.
Thanks to Hendy Vauxhall and Peugeot Tonbridge
Our incredible partner this year is Hendy Vauxhall and Peugeot who this year celebrated opening their all new showroom in Broke Farm, Five Oak Green Road, Tonbridge.
kmfm and Hendy’s Give a Gift is a wonderful initiative that will offer comfort to many young people in need across Kent over the coming festive season,” - Will Hendy, Regional General Manager at Hendy Group.
“It’s a special year for us as we’re celebrating our 165th anniversary, and it’s great to bring it to a close by having our new Hendy Vauxhall and Peugeot Tonbridge site become a partner for this very worthwhile, community-driven campaign.”
Check out the brand new Hendy Peugeot and Vauxhall showroom in Tonbridge
