BCM’s Christmas programme has enjoyed another extremely successful year. Every year we collect thousands of toys which are generously donated to us from the public. These are then distributed by us to those in need across Belfast.

This year we gave out 1,830 toy parcels and 950 food parcels. These help to make a huge difference to many families lives over what should be a joyous and happy time of year.

2009 also saw the 10^th anniversary of the Giving Tree in Marks & Spencer’s Belfast. We collected lots of gifts at the tree. We also linked up with Cool FM this year who were carrying out their own Christmas Appeal for the first time. They kindly donated over 150 bags of toys to BCM which we were able to distribute to families in need.

BCM staff and volunteers also had the chance to become one of Santa’s helpers this Christmas, as BCM took over the Santa’s Grotto at City Hall for a week. This helped us to raise lots of money for all BCM’s projects and was also fun for all those who participated. Our volunteers were also paid a visit by Santa himself who called in to see all the great work going on in the Grosvenor Hall.

At the BCM Christmas Eve Street collection we collected a total of £8,770.93. We are very grateful to all our volunteers who help us out every year and make our collection such a success every year. It is very heart-warming to know that even in times of economic hardship, people still show generosity and give to others.