YMCA receives 400 gifts from church and Norwich City 

YMCA Norfolk has received nearly 400 gifts for children and young people through a partnership with Norwich City Football Club and SOUL Church in Norwich.

The gifts will be distributed to 240 young adults who are provided with a safe home each night across the county by YMCA Norfolk, as well as the children of single parent families and children on the edge of care or receiving intensive support by the YMCA Families Team. 
 
Jason Overman, an Engagement Worker at Norwich Central which house 34 young people in its assessment centre, said: “These donations make a huge difference, the generosity of everyone who has donated goes a long way to show the kindness at the heart of our community towards our young people. I remember a moment last Christmas, when a small donation made a young person’s face light up when they realised that the gift was for them.  I am excited to see the impact that these amazing gifts from the Wonder Tree will make this year.

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said:  “We are so grateful to the staff of Norwich City Football Club and the congregation of SOUL Church in donating so many amazing gifts that will enable us to support young people and families at a time that is often very difficult and distressing.
 
 “As a youth charity that is in the business of hope, we want to ensure that we can offer hope to children and young people, helping them to have a fantastic Christmas, and this partnership will certainly enable us to achieve this.”
 
Zoe Ward, Business and Project Director for the Canaries, said: “Norwich City Football Club is really pleased to support such a special initiative that will help make a difference to families within our community.
 
Jon Norman, Lead Pastor of SOUL Church, said: “The Wonder Tree is all about placing dignity on families who are struggling at Christmas and we are honoured to be partnering with Norwich City Football Club and the YMCA. Together we’re stronger!”
 
The gifts will be distributed over the Christmas period along with social events, games and fun activities to truly help make this Christmas a wonder-full time of the year.
 
Pictured above are Tim Sweeting (left), CEO of YMCA Norfolk and Jon Norman, Senior Pastor of SOUL Church.