Jonathan Harper
Festive Penguin 2021
Fundraising for Carers Support Centre
Story
*UPDATE: 30 December. THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Festive Penguin. We are now so close to the stretch target of £1,000 in donations!*
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Installing and maintaining Festive Penguin last December cheered me up no end. It's cheered me up and anyone that passes by it this December too.
Hopefully Festive Penguin's stoic yet colourful persona can cheer you up too, and that is why this year it is going "global" this year. Thanks to the help and support of a brilliant team of experts, you can view Festive Penguin each day between 2pm and 9.30pm. Unless it is really windy, then the penguin might have to have a little rest in case they take flight.
One thing I wondered is if you have enjoyed Festive Penguin perhaps you'd donate a bit of money for a good cause this festive season? I find it hard to believe that in the UK we have a situation where children and young people under 18 years end up being carers for their family members. At exactly the moment when their lives should be full of the trials and tribulations of growing up, they are looking after someone in their family who has a disability, a long term illness, or is affected by mental ill health or substance misuse.
Young carers may look after parents, care for a brother or sister, or another family member. The average age of a young carer is 12 and they take on responsibilities normally only expected of an adult. They can be emotional withdrawn and depressed, as well as face huge disadvantages to their own education and personal development.
I'm therefore raising money for Young Carers, run by the Carers Support Centre, so every penny you lob into this Just Giving pot will be paid to them. Their work offers crucial help and support to children aged 8-18, their families and professionals working with young carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Thanks! (p.s. Gift Aid your donation so it's worth even more) xx