PD Ports, one of the largest port operators in the UK, is proudly supporting an initiative to provide birthday gifts for 100 vulnerable children who have missed out on planned celebrations due to restrictions posed by COVID-19.
The port operator has pledged £2,500 in support of national children’s charity, When You Wish Upon A Star, which aims to grant the wishes of children aged 4-17 who are living with life threatening illnesses.
The charity, which celebrates its 30th birthday this month, will use PD Ports’ generous donation to provide bespoke birthday gift boxes, consisting of a balloon, a special card, party pack, mini Wish Bear, birthday cake, and a personal gift. The gifts will be delivered directly to the doors of ‘Wish Children’ who are still shielding as a result of COVID-19.
PD Ports has also pledged to sponsor the charity’s new ‘Wish Bear’ mascot across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire for twelve months, as he travels the UK granting wishes for children and their families.
Kirsten Donkin, Head of PR, Marketing and Communications at PD Ports, said, “We are delighted to be able to support a charity that creates life changing memories for so many families who are facing times of great challenge and emotional strain.
“This last year has seen huge changes to the ways in which we all go about our daily lives, for some, the effects of COVID-19 have been significantly challenging. It is humbling to see When You Wish Upon A Star working hard to continue its support for vulnerable young people and keep them smiling throughout difficult times.”
PD Ports had planned to sponsor the 30th Birthday Wish Ball, which was due to mark the charity’s birthday celebrations later this month but due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is temporarily postponed.
Diane Hummerston, Head of Fundraising at When You Wish Upon a Star, said, “We cannot thank PD Ports enough for their amazing support. Not only have they provided us with sponsorship for both our new ‘Wish Bear’ Mascot in the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Region, they are also supporting our 30th Birthday Gifts for our Wish Children who have missed out on our planned birthday celebrations due to COVID-19.
“On behalf of the children and everyone at the charity, thank you so much – we are truly grateful for you helping us to bring some magic to the lives of our Wish Children and their families.”
Since 1990, When You Wish Upon A Star has granted over 17,500 wishes across the UK, giving children and their families something to look forward too, even at times of such emotional strain.
