Christmas gift appeal with corporate partner in Northern Ireland

For this festive season, Arthur Cox, our corporate partner in Northern Ireland, has come up with something special. The leading law firm will be giving bespoke gifts to children who are taking part in our Step up Step Down programme, where foster carers support families on the periphery of care to help the children remain within their family home.

Kathleen Toner, director of The Fostering Network in Northern in Ireland, said: ‘Christmas is a special time of year when we look forward to decorating the tree and giving and receiving presents. Sadly, for some of the families we support, Christmas can be a time of worry and anxiety and this is especially true this year.

'In donating these wonderful gifts for vulnerable children, Arthur Cox has enabled us to ensure that these families get to experience the joys associated with the holiday period. We will be delivering these gifts for children to families in Christmas week, and we know they will draw lots of smiles. It truly reflects the real meaning of Christmas.

‘The support we’ve received from Arthur Cox, not just this Christmas but over the last two years, has been heart-warming. We are extremely grateful to the firm for donating as much as they have. A huge thank you to Arthur Cox for contributing to a warm and Merry Christmas for children and families.’

Finance Partner and Chair of Arthur Cox’s CSR Committee Colm McElroy commented: 'With this being our second year volunteering with The Fostering Network, we are very much aware of the importance of ensuring every child in their Step Up Step Down initiative receives a gift at Christmas.

‘Having been faced with an extremely turbulent year, the need for these special presents has never been greater, and we are proud to play our part in ensuring this is possible.

‘We have been able to collect a variety of gifts for children of all ages and are pleased that we’ve had the opportunity to provide something tangible and develop a small connection with each of the children, at a time when many are still feeling socially disconnected.

‘This experience has been truly rewarding for everyone at Arthur Cox and our employees at took an active role in purchasing unique gifts suitable for each child. We take pride in playing an important role in supporting this charity as we continue to deliver impact across our community.’

Find our more about Step up Step Down here.