West Ham Women’s stars Eva and Oona have backed a Newham Christmas toy appeal aiming to collect 10,000 new toys for more than 2,000 disadvantaged children and young people.
The Finnish players visited the Terence Brown Arc In the Park in Canning Town, home of charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA), to support the campaign, which is now in its 49th year.
Run by AAA and supported by the Newham Recorder, the appeal aims to make Christmas special for disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk children and young people across Newham.
Toys have already begun arriving following the launch of this year’s appeal, but organisers now hope to turn hundreds of donations into thousands.
Central defender Eva, 26, who also supported the campaign last year, said: “It’s really special to be back supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal again this year. Having visited last year, I know just how much hard work goes into making this happen and how important it is for so many children and families in the local area.”
“It’s important that we continue to support initiatives like this and help those who need it most. Hopefully we can help raise awareness of the appeal and encourage more people to get involved and make a difference this Christmas.”
Midfielder Oona, 25, added: “It’s been really nice to come here and learn more about the work Ambition Aspire Achieve does. Christmas is such a special time of year, especially for children, so it’s great that we can help support the appeal and hopefully bring some happiness to local families.”
The players also brought gifts from the club for the appeal and met AAA staff and a trustee during their visit.
AAA operations manager and appeal co-ordinator Paula Blake said: “It was great to meet the stars and their support is great for the campaign. We’d like to thank them for coming along.”
Friends of the appeal at Newham Bookshop, who have supported the campaign for many years, have also donated a collection of books for young people of all ages. The books were presented to appeal co-ordinator Paula Blake.
Newham Bookshop’s Vivian Archer said: “We have been supporting the appeal since its second year and we are happy to do it again. Reading is so important for children and young people.”
AAA chief executive Jonny Boux said West Ham United is also supporting the appeal with a giving tree in the club’s superstore and by providing space in its matchday programme.
People can support the appeal by buying a new toy or gift through AAA’s dedicated Christmas Toy Appeal gift lists. The lists feature presents for different ages, interests and abilities, with a range of prices to suit different budgets. Gifts purchased through the lists will be delivered directly to the appeal before being sorted and matched with children and young people.
People who would prefer to make a financial contribution can donate through the appeal’s dedicated JustGiving page. Donations will be used to provide new toys and gifts for disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk children and young people across Newham.
Christmas events are also under way elsewhere in the capital, with an enchanted ice grotto opening at Camden Market on November 26.
