Oxfam is collaborating with Byker Community Association to provide young children with advent calendars and to raise awareness about child poverty in the north east. A recent report by the organisation End Child Poverty revealed that 34% of children in east Newcastle live in poverty, with Newcastle upon Tyne being among the worst 20 local authorities with the highest levels of child poverty across the UK. 

Katie Knowles, a volunteer at Oxfam in Jesmond, and Aly Smith, a development worker from Byker Community Association have launched their campaign in response.

“One of the things I think children in poverty miss is the special treats. They don’t even have the basics, so getting a chocolate advent calendar, that’s just not going to happen”, Knowles told JesmondLocal.

Oxfam customers can leave their calendar donation in a decorated box in the shop

Her store has placed a box near the entrance where customers can place their calendar donation. Smith will collect the box at the end of the campaign and deliver the calendars to the families. 

“It’s just lovely,” she said. “We’ve arranged for Father Christmas to come and give them out. We make sure that any young people that come through our doors go home with an advent calendar after they’ve received a warm meal.

“We are supporting families with food over Christmas, toys for children, toiletries for parents… any support we can give. Anything to bring a bit of comfort and joy.”

Byker Community Association works with different projects around food poverty, engaging directly with families and local mothers, giving them an insight into the issues of young children, Smith said.  “Anything that is donated to us will get to the right people and delivered quickly,” she added.

The pair hope to collect around 50-60 calendars by the end of the campaign. “If we can provide children with the special treats, then I think that just brings them joy at this special time of the year,” Knowles said. 

The campaign runs until the 26th of November. If you want to find out how you can help, visit Oxfam Books & Music on St George’s Terrace or contact Aly Smith on aly@bykerca.org.