The council’s Sanctuary Services put together the Christmas gift wishlist for children in the Homes for Ukraine, Resettlement, No Recourse to Public Funds and Asylum Seekers schemes. The entire list sold out in two weeks thanks to people’s generosity.
Cllr Timothy Windle, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, said: “We’ve had a brilliant response to the appeal with all gifts being bought for local sanctuary seeking children two weeks ahead of the deadline.
“It’s really heart warming that despite the tough times many in our community face at the moment, we were still able to step up and ensure that our sanctuary seeking children, many of whom will have faced real adversity in their short lives, will be able to enjoy some festive cheer.”
The presents will be handed out by Father Christmas at three events which start next week across Lambeth, with council staff on hand to help ensure the sanctuary seeking children and their families have a good time.
Cllr Windle said: “As a proud Borough of Sanctuary, we are committed to welcoming those affected by forced migration— whether asylum seekers, refugees, or others seeking safety. This Christmas appeal is part of our wider work to meet that pledge, and I thank everyone who has contributed.”
For more information visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/lambeth-sanctuary-services.
