TT2 Limited, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, welcomed volunteers from Metro Radio to its plazas to collect donations from generous motorists at the launch of the annual Mission Christmas appeal.
Volunteers donned their Christmas jumpers and warmest clothes and collected for two hours on 11 November to mark the launch of the campaign, with a grand total to be announced later this week.
Mission Christmas brings businesses and individuals across the North East together to fundraise for the charity Cash4Kids, as well as donating new, unwrapped presents for children across the region who may not receive gifts on Christmas morning.
The campaign officially started in 2013, however Metro Radio has collected gifts for families across the North East for around 30 years.
Chris Ward, Customer Operations Manager, from TT2 Limited said: “The Tyne Tunnels are a gateway for people travelling both north and south of the Tyne, and at TT2 Limited, we strive to be a good neighbour to all of our customers and their families.
“We love Christmas in our office, and it breaks our hearts to think of anyone waking up on 25th December without having had a visit from Santa. We wanted to help out, so we arranged the collection on Monday, which was very successful, and some of our team will be helping to sort out the gifts in the warehouse before the big day.
“We’d like to encourage anyone who has some spare cash to either donate or pick up a gift to take to one of the collection points around the region, to help one of these families in need.”
Dan Slee, Charity Manager, Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids, said: “Mission Christmas is a brilliant way for people to act in the true spirit of the season and give a little something to disadvantaged young people who really do deserve it. What was achieved by our generous listeners last year was truly amazing and I know we can do even better this year.
“Even one child living in poverty is too many but with thousands in the North East in that position Mission Christmas gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference. The charity is delighted to be working with Tyne Tunnels to launch this year’s appeal.”