West Ham players wear tops backing Newham Christmas Toy Appeal

Charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and the Recorder want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to help the campaign get nearer to its target.

West Ham United has continued to support the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2023, with the players wearing the charity's shirts during training. Supporters have also been dropping off toys by the giving tree at the Hammers' London Stadium shop.

West Ham players enjoy training in AAA tops (Image: West Ham United)

Curwen and Keir Hardie Primary Schools staged pantomimes where children who were referred to the appeal were invited with their families. The panto was performed by Hurricane Theatre.

Volunteers have been at the appeal’s toy warehouse, sorting and getting gifts ready. The first volunteers came from Bain Capital.

Bain Capital volunteers lend a helping hand (Image: AAA)

The appeal received a major boost from AAA patron Terry Brown, who presented the charity with £5,000 which has already been spent on toys. Terry, chairman of Sahara Homes, and managing director Sharon Kaur handed over the money to AAA chief executive Jonny Boux at Sahara Homes’ Earlham Grove, Forest Gate centre.

Jonny said: “A huge thank you to Terry, Sharon Kaur and all our friends at Sahara Homes.”

Terry Brown hands a donation to AAA chief exec Jonny Boux (Image: AAA)

A donation of toys was also made by Our Newham Money and Our Newham Work, as well as ten boxes of books from long term donors Scholastic Books.

A sponsored swim completed by former Recorder editor and AAA trustee Colin Grainger has now raised £900.

Meanwhile, motorcyclists revved up their bikes in aid of the appeal.

Boxes of donations from Scholastic Books (Image: AAA)

The bikers’ event has been an annual one for the campaign for many years – and they also do a carbon copy run at Easter for youngsters.

Organiser John Pryke explained that the bikers – many in Yuletide garb - started their run at the Triumph East London headquarters in London Road, Romford, at midday on December 2. Triumph collected toys at their base to boost the event.

“The appeal is so important to young people in Newham and we have been happy to lend our support for many years now," John said. 

"We always get a great welcome wherever we are on the journeys and the appeal sums up how the community cares for one another."

Bikers completed an annual ride in support of the appeal (Image: Colin Grainger)

After touring Essex and east London collecting toys – and more bikers – on the way, they arrived at AAA's headquarters at the Terence Brown Arc in The Park in Hermit Road, Canning Town.

AAA chair of trustees Christine Bowden told the bikers the need was greater than ever for this year's appeal.

“We have deprivation really hitting young people hard in Newham and your efforts have been simply magnificent.”

The ride was staged with help from the Riders Who Want To Make A Difference group.

How to support the appeal

For people wishing to choose a gift or gifts to purchase online for a young person this Christmas, an Amazon Wish List has been set up.

This feature has a selection of items ranging from toys, hats, CDs and books to headphones, watches, teddies and much more that the appeal organisers know would be suitable for those receiving presents.

To view, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1608HJIMEPD14?ref_=wl_share.

Donations can be made in person at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park, Canning Town, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

An online JustGiving page has also been set up, and all money donated will be spent on buying presents for Newham’s most underprivileged children in advance of Christmas Day.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/toyappeal2023.

Details on how you can support the campaign will be in the Recorder every week and on our website.

And AAA will feature the campaign on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.