Iliffe Media helps deliver thousands of Christmas presents to children


Posted on: 06/01/2023 09:29:00

Thousands of presents have been delivered to children in Kent this Christmas thanks to the Give A Gift appeal organised by Iliffe Media's radio station kmfm.

Kent's radio station teamed up with local company Bargain Hunter UK to collect toys and games for youngsters in hospital and care, and for children's charities.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of listeners and businesses, including Titan Games, Big Jig Toys, South Eastern Carpentry and Morrisons, more than 10,500 presents were donated.

Over the past few weeks the gifts have been sorted into categories and delivered to almost 30 locations across the county by the kmfm street team and owner and founder of Bargain Hunter UK, Peter Nix.

The staff at Trinity, Maidstone's Community Hub, had a visit from kmfm's Garry and Chelsea
The staff at Trinity, Maidstone's Community Hub, had a visit from kmfm's Garry and Chelsea

He said: "I have had such a great few weeks. I have loved being a part of Give A Gift, seeing all the donations pile in and the generosity of people on the run-up to Christmas.

"For me though, being a part of the delivery team and meeting children and young people who are being cared for has been a life-changing experience.

"Meeting the nurses caring for sick children, the carers caring for young people - it really has been an emotional few weeks.

Toys were delivered by kmfm's Garry and Chelsea to staff at the QEQM hospital
Toys were delivered by kmfm's Garry and Chelsea to staff at the QEQM hospital

"If you donated, please know that you really have made a difference to so many children who will be in hospital and care this year. Thank you."

Rob Wills, Head of Broadcast at kmfm, added: "You will have heard us talking about this on air as the year that was going to be difficult for many to take part given the cost of everything spiraling.

"So having had to organise more cars, more team and another week of delivery time because we received so many more gifts than we had ever dreamt of receiving is so special.

Staff at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford receive donations from kmfm's Give A Gift Appeal
Staff at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford receive donations from kmfm's Give A Gift Appeal

"Hearing from nurses and carers on air as to what this will mean to poorly children in hospital and those in care, you realise the impact that your donations have made.

"Thank you if you donated, told a friend or shared a social post - you made this happen."

kmfm presenters were able to join the deliveries with Garry and Chelsea from the breakfast show joining in delivering to make sure the toys reached their final locations.

Among those to receive some of the donations were the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Kent Wish Foundation, QEQM, Darent Valley Hospital, William Harvey Hospital, Imago and HomeStart.

See more pictures and relive some of the kind donations and surprises here.

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