Firm shows its mettle for child exploitation charity

Specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound has benefitted from a community Christmas initiative run by Midland Lead.

The Swadlincote firm, which supplies construction firms across the world with building products made from recycled lead, has donated £1,640 to the charity to support its work with children and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.

The cash from its 12 Days of Community Christmas initiative will be used to fund intensive one-to-one support for young people and families.

It will also fund seven art therapy sessions and 11 Hope Boxes, which have been developed in partnership with Colleague Box and are given to young people.

The boxes contain positive messages and activities to support them on their transformational journey into adulthood.

Safe and Sound has been able to double the donation having been chosen to be part of Big Give, which is an online match funding programme.

Francoise Derksen, HR manager at Midland Lead, said: “This Christmas, we’ve made a list of local charities to support during our 12 Days of Community Christmas.

“For 12 days, Midland Lead will be giving away something to help our neighbourhood.

“From Christmas chocolates, a donation to a mental health charity, bags of food, art therapy sessions and Secret Santa toys, we hope that with these small donations we can make a difference to the local charities in our community – so that they can do even more of their amazing work.”

Tracy Harrison, chief executive at Safe and Sound, said: “Christmas is traditionally a time for businesses to show their support for charities and local communities and we are very honoured that Midland Lead has recognised the value and positive impact of our work.

“We rely heavily on the generosity of businesses, organisations and individuals to keep pace with the growing demand for our services across Derbyshire.

“It is only with this support, that we can continue to support and protect the children, young people and their families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.”