Gift A Child A Festive Experience at the National Coal Mining Museum
That's the special appeal, to businesses from Wakefield and beyond, launched by the Wakefield based museum to bring festive joy to struggling local families during the cost-of-living crisis.
DONATE NOW: To make a £50 or more donation simply visit www.ncm.org.uk/festive-gift or CLICK HERE.
It’s hard not to be reminded of Christmas in 1984, when many families in Wakefield and beyond faced similar hardship during the miners' strike 40-years ago.
Now, it says, with the cost-of-living crisis, countless children from underprivileged households may be left without the magic of Christmas – no festive lights, no presents under the tree, and no special moments to cherish.
The museum is urging the local business community and others to support its Gift A Child a Festive Experience campaign to make a difference for children in Wakefield.
For just a £50 donation it will give a child from a struggling family the chance to experience an unforgettable meeting with Santa in his underground grotto.
With rising energy bills, food prices, and daily living costs, many parents in Wakefield simply cannot afford to give their children the Christmas they deserve.
These are children from homes where financial hardship is an everyday reality.
Without a helping hand, they will never have the chance to meet Santa, to share in the joy of the season, or to escape the harshness of life even for a day.
It’s not just about giving a present. It’s about creating an entire experience – one that includes storytelling, crafts, and, most importantly, the chance to forget the hardships of everyday life for just one magical day.
Every £50 donation will provide:
* Transport to and from the museum, so that even the most isolated families can take part.
* A magical visit to Santa in his underground grotto.
* A festive photo of their visit as a keepsake
* A drink, and snack and lunch, ensuring that every child feels nourished and cared for during their visit.
* A precious photo with Santa, capturing the magic of the moment for them to treasure.
* A festive craft making activity, giving children the chance to create something special to remember the day by.
* Support NCMME’s family & educational activities.
The National Coal Mining Museum, a place steeped in the history of hard work and community, is the perfect venue for this extraordinary event.
Lynn Dunning, CEO at NCMME, is urging the community to come together, just as it did in 1984, and show the children of Wakefield that no matter the struggles, the spirit of Christmas will always shine through.
For these children, it’s a chance to escape the burden of poverty, if only for a little while, and immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas.
The National Coal Mining Museum is stepping up to offer these children an experience they wouldn’t otherwise have – but they can’t do it alone.
Lynn said: "Remember Christmas 1984 when families struggled to enjoy a normal Christmas due to the Miners’ Strike? And yet 40 years later, some children from parts of Wakefield won’t feel the joy of the festive season due to the cost and levels of deprivation.
"So as a member of the Wakefield business community, let’s share in the joy of giving by gifting a child a truly memorable Festive Experience to see Santa Underground. They’ll receive a gift, enjoy a meal, plus storytelling and craft activities to make this year unforgettable for every child in Wakefield."
* A new interactive 3D tour of a major exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike – 84/85 – The Longest Year– has been made available for free online by the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
VIEW THE TOUR: Take a look around the free 3D virtual tour on the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85 - CLICK HERE.
The almost year-long exhibition dates coincide with the anniversary, opening on March 6, 2024 and set to close 40 years after miners returned to work, on March 3, 2025.
A series of events are lined up for the remainder of the exhibition including an exciting panel discussion with lawyers about their experiences during the Strike in September, the launch of a poetry anthology in November, and a Toy Swap in the spirit of communities pulling together at Christmas.
Full details can be found at ncm.org.uk/84-85.
The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.
National Coal Mining Museum’s attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more. There are many more events tunning throughoout the summer holidays - for more, click here.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (winter hours until March 24) and 10am-5pm (summer hours from March27).
Entry to the the museum is free but, as an independent charity, donations are appreciated.
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Yorkshire £1m Postcode Lottery win brings sunshine to pit ponies Eric and Ernie. The National Coal Mining Museum announce new CEO is Lynn Dunning.
NCMME LINKS:
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X: @ncmme
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