Community News

Hull & Humber KC Cares spreads Christmas cheer

Businesses join forces to help make Christmas special

Business volunteers, part goers and Father Christmas

Children from disadvantaged communities celebrated Christmas at the KC Stadium on Saturday with an action packed party thanks to Hull & Humber KC Cares’ business partners. 

Employees from KC and St Stephen’s shopping centre worked in partnership with Hull & Humber KC Cares to organise the annual party for over 100 children aged 4 to 12. 

Children were entertained by DJ Scottie from start to finish, with music and party games. Acrobatic children’s entertainer Dangerous Steve put on a fantastic show, while face painters and a visit from all four of the city’s mascots, Airlie Bird, Roary the Tiger, Rufus the Robin and Steve the Stingray helped to create a party atmosphere. 

And it didn’t end there. The children and young people were in for an extra special treat when Father Christmas made a surprise appearance, giving each child a gift. 

The presents for the party were all donated by the employees of Hull & Humber KC Cares’ business partners. Tessa Wray, Hull & Humber KC Cares Business Manager explains: “Funds have been limited for everyone again this year, but it hasn’t prevented local organisations from getting involved. 

“The response this year has been fantastic. Our business partners have rallied round to fill shoeboxes with some brilliant presents. Shoebox donations are a really great way to engage employees and despite the economic climate, organisations found that their people wanted to get involved and believe it’s good to give something back to their local communities.” 

Other Hull & Humber KC Cares business partners who supported the event included PwC, Yorkshire Bank, Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull FC & Hull KR and Associated British Ports (ABP). 

Anna Millar from KC said: “A team of three of us started to organise the party in February with help from all the KC Cares business partners. It’s hard work but very rewarding for all involved and it’s a real team effort between the businesses. It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to support the children within the local community we serve, and provide them with a great start to the festive season.” 

Hull & Humber KC Cares is Business in the Community’s national employee volunteering programme. KC Cares engages companies and their employees in their communities, through a diverse range of volunteering opportunities, to address varying social issues with a focus on education, employability, economic renewal and the environment. 

To find out more about how to get involved in the Hull & Humber KC Cares programme please call Tessa Wray, KC Cares Business Manager on  (01482) 638610 or email:  tessa.wray@bitc.org.uk