Season › 2015-16 › News

Get behind Everton's Blue Box Appeal

Everton is urging local people to help ensure children in care across Merseyside have a truly BlueCrimbo this year.

On 1 December the Club launched its BlueCrimbo campaign which this year includes a Blue Box Appeal to support some of the most vulnerable and underprivileged members of our community, including children in care.

There are currently more than 1,000 children in Merseyside in foster care or other placements, either as a result of court proceedings because they are at risk of harm or with the agreement of their parents.

Everton are asking people on Merseyside to get behind the BlueCrimbo Blue Box Appeal by simply filling a shoebox with essential items which will help a child in care have a happier Christmas this year.

Among those set to receive a Blue Box to brighten up their Christmas are participants from Everton in the Community’s Breathing Space programme. Launched in April, the programme works to engage and inspire young people aged between 14 and 19 who are in the care system or at risk of entering the care system.

One young person who is currently on the Breathing Space programme is 16year-old Sarah*. The eldest of three children, Sarah has suffered neglect and abuse during a difficult childhood before entering the care system a year ago. After moving into a foster home, Sarah was told about Everton in the Community by her Social Service key worker.

Sarah said: “I wasn’t sure if I could do it as I’ve never really taken part in anything before but I now have something else to focus on and people to talk to that listen and understand me. They don’t judge me or blame me, they have helped and encouraged me to realise that I can have a positive future.”

The Club’s official charity provides a safe and nurturing environment for participants whilst working with them to develop their skills and confidence, helping them to gain accredited qualifications and offering vital volunteering opportunities as well as one-to-one mentoring. 

The Club’s BlueCrimbo Blue Box Appeal will provide not only looked after children in Liverpool with a much needed boost this Christmas, but will also support low income families, homeless people, the elderly and individuals who often have to make a choice between buying food or paying bills at Christmas time. Fans are also invited to nominate someone they know who would benefit from the gift of a Blue Box by tapping here.

To help make someone’s Christmas a little happier this year simply wrap an old shoebox in Christmas wrapping paper and filling it with essential items suitable for a child, family and/or the elderly and drop it off at Everton One, Everton Free School, Weightmans on Old Hall Street or the Matchday Hub for the games against Crystal Palace on Monday 7 December or Leicester City on Saturday 19 December.

To hear Sarah’s story in full and learn how you can get involved in Everton’s Christmas campaign, visit evertonfc.com/blueboxappeal

*Sarah is not the real name of the Breathing Space participant. Her name has been changed to protect her identity.

 

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