Charities work together to give gifts to city’s child trafficking survivors
Jan 30
When Sheffield business woman Faye Smith donated Christmas gifts to survivors of human trafficking, she had no idea her generous gesture would create an opportunity for two of the city’s best loved charities to support each other for the first time.
Since Faye’s daughter Gabi died of a rare seizure aged 12 five years ago, she has used her daughter’s Christmas gift money to buy gifts for women and children who have been trafficked.
Faye explained: “The first year Gabi died, I had already bought her several gifts and after hearing City Hearts manager Kirsty Wilson speak at a BR Chamber Women in Business event, I realised they would make lovely presents for children in City Heart’s safe houses who have never had a gift before”
“Donating the gifts in Gabi’s memory made me happy- she was such a generous soul and so concerned for others, I know she would have loved that. So every year since, I have donated gifts and this year, also pyjamas, slippers and dressing gowns to our charity of the year on behalf of our Keep Your Fork clients. This year, when I emailed our clients to let them know what we were doing, the Children’s Hospital corporate partnerships manager Tchad Western who we worked closely with this year, contacted me. He said he had received a donation of children’s slippers and ponchos that the hospital charity could not use and would City Hearts like them? I made the connection and now two fabulous charities have benefited each other.”
Ed Newton, director of the City Hearts charity was delighted to receive the unexpected gift: “We are so grateful to The Children’s Hospital Charity for supporting the City Hearts Christmas appeal with 50 pairs of slippers and ponchos. They will make a real difference to the children in our care. Their generosity and desire to share is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.”
The Hospital’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Tchad Western concluded: “It’s brilliant when charities can come together to help the people who need it most.”
Gifts of pyjamas (children’s and smaller sizes), slippers, dressing gowns and toiletries are always very much appreciated for trafficking survivors. Donations can be left at the Megacentre reception, Bernard Road. Call 0114 2132063 for details or visit city-hearts.co.uk
