Winter Hub Campaign returns for second year

Published: 24th Nov 2021

Birmingham Children's Trust launches its Winter Hub campaign today.

The Birmingham Children's Trust Winter Hub campaign returns for its second year, running from 24 November to 23 December 2021. The campaign aims to provide gifts, food and essential packages to many children in care, care leavers, young people and adults across Birmingham.

During the 2020 Winter Hub, local businesses and the community donated over 16,500 presents, parcels and hampers that were distributed to those most in need.

Natalie Loon, Corporate Parenting and Partnership Manager at the Trust said: "We are extremely proud to work with our partners and the community who come together at this time of year to provide essential items to young people, adults and families.

"Everyone has something unique to offer that will change a life and put a smile on a face this winter. You might make jewellery you want to donate, you may be collecting food hampers, or you could be a corporate organisation that wants to fundraise in Christmas jumpers. Together we can do so much."

This year the Trust is joined by Winter Hub supporters Krishma Parmar and Evie Garrod.

"Helping Birmingham Children's Trust has been incredibly important to me since losing my mum over two years ago," said Krishma, Private Shopping Client Manager at Harvey Nicholls. "The feeling of losing a parent is incomparable, and I have since wanted to be able to help children and young adults who are put in circumstances that are beyond their control.

"I have been incredibly lucky to have friends like Evie who helped support me through my grieving and my darkest days, so I understand the importance of having someone to rely on. Birmingham Children's Trust and Bfriends campaign is a platform that is so imminently needed, especially with the impacts of Covid." 

"Growing up, my mum instilled in me the importance of helping others, and I wish to carry that through with me in memory of her."

The Trust is in the process of having its own charity, Bfriends, which will lead on projects and initiatives such as the Winter Hub. Staff in the Trust are already working under the banner of Bfriends, to deliver community based projects and opportunities for children, young people and families, with a wealth of support, from a range of organisations and individuals such as Krishma and Evie.

Evie, Operations Supervisor and Client Relations Supervisor at The Wedding Club, added: "From a young age, I have always believed in giving back. A Christmas memory of mine was making a hamper box to be posted to children in need and having that vital lesson that even a pair of socks or a colouring book would put a smile on a child's face.

"Many children and young adults are put into difficult circumstances from no fault of their own, and I believe that we can all do something to help. We have decided to team up with Birmingham Children's Trust and their community as the past few years has shown the importance of everyone having a support system around them."

How you can get involved

  • The 2021 Trust Winter Hub will be operating between 10am - 4pm on a Wednesday and Thursday until 23 December, located at 1 Lancaster Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7DJ.
  • If you would like to join Krish and Evie this year, ins supporting the Trust's Winter Hub please contact our Corporate Parenting and Partnership team at CorporateParentingEvents@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk .
  • Please contact the team in advance if you would like to visit the Winter Hub.