Every Christmas, the Salvation Army supports hundreds of Isle of Man families and individuals with food parcels, toys and gifts to try and ensure the festive celebrations are not denied to anyone.

Demand for the charity’s Christmas appeal has grown in recent years, as health and care professionals refer people to the Salvation Army for assistance. Last year, almost 1,600 received help, including more than 400 families which received food and more than 200 families which received toys.

This year, the Dandara Group is giving its support to the Salvation Army by providing more than ?1,500 to the appeal.

The money will be used to buy toys, gifts, wrapping paper and chocolates to supplement donations from the public, all to be distributed in time for Christmas. It will also pay for the festive meal the charity hosts at the Citadel in Douglas on Boxing Day.

Captain Simon Clampton of the Salvation Army said: ‘Over the last few years, the number of families and people we are asked to assist in the Isle of Man has grown. We don’t feel it is right that anyone should go hungry, and especially at Christmas, and no parent should be unable to give their child a simple festive gift.

‘There has been great public support for our Christmas appeal, with donations of toys, gifts and money, but the increasing demand for our help means there can be a shortfall between what we receive and what is needed.

‘This extremely generous gift from Dandara means that we will be able to make many more toys and gifts available to hundreds of families this Christmas, and in addition we will be able to meet the full cost of providing a Christmas meal on Boxing Day for people who are referred to us, including those who are alone or vulnerable.

‘I’d like to thank Dandara for making such a significant contribution to our appeal, and helping us to spread some Christmas cheer across the Island.’

Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent added: ‘As we all get ready for Christmas it can be difficult to appreciate that for hundreds of people around the Isle of Man it may be a time of hardship rather than one of celebration.

‘The Salvation Army’s work ensures that the growing numbers of families and individuals in need are not forgotten at this time of sharing, and we were determined to support the appeal. I hope our contribution will help the Salvation Army to make this Christmas a little happier for everyone it assists.’

Photo - (from left) Dandara Group Senior Marketing Executive Angela Beresford, Captain Simon Clampton of the Salvation Army and Joanna Orton, Marketing Director at Dandara.