Boohoo founders Umar and Samir Kamani donate £500,000 of toys to local charity

The owners of fast fashion brand Boohoo have donated £500k worth of toys to a charity for disadvantaged children in Greater Manchester

The Kamani family – owners of the popular Boohoo group, which includes Boohoo, BoohooMAN, Pretty Little Thing, Nasty Gal and Kamani Property Group – joined Hits Radio and Cash For Kids at their annual Mission Christmas campaign launch.

Each year, Cash For Kids run their Mission Christmas campaign alongside Hits Radio,  distributing toys to more than 400,000 disadvantaged children across the UK. It’s the largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK.

Last year, the appeal generated upwards of £17 million in gifts and donations which were distributed to more than 400,000 disadvantaged kids across the UK – with over 60,000 of recipients from Greater Manchester.

Supporting children from babies right up to 18 year olds, Mission Christmas works closely with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

Almost one in three children in Greater Manchester are said to to be living in poverty – but thankfully Mission Christmas are on hand to try and support as many young people as they can over the festive period, relying solely on donations.

Talking about their recent donation to the children’s charity, Umar Kamani said the charity is close to their hearts:

“Cash For Kids and Mission Christmas is a charity close to our hearts and something we are extremely passionate about. At this time of year it’s important we give something back to our community.”

Joining Umar and Samir Kamani at the Mission Christmas launch was Hits Radio presenter and actress Gemma Atkinson.

“What was achieved by our generous listeners last year was truly amazing and I know we can do even better this year,” said Gemma. “Even one child living in poverty is too many but with thousands in Greater Manchester in that position Mission Christmas gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference.

“It’s easy to take part, all you need to do is buy one extra gift before 18th December and hand it in to one of our many collection points. Let’s make 2018’s Mission Christmas our biggest and best ever and bring a little cheer to the children who need it most.”

If you’d like to support the campaign, there are a number of drop-off points including the Manchester Arndale and charity partners B&M Bargains.

This year, Mission Christmas HQ is provided by The Mayfield Partnership and is based at Warehouse 5, Baring Street.

And if you don’t have time to shop, you can text HITS to 70808 to make a £5 donation (texts cost standard network rate and 100% of the donation goes to Cash For Kids).

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