Tesco Extra - Cadbury's Super Selection Box

rheme

What a fantastic party. 100 children from across the city all arrived at lunchtime. They had a run around for half an hour to let off steam followed by something to eat.

We had invited rugby players and the mascot from the local super league team who combined with the disco and the magician for the next two hours absolutely worked their socks off. They were having balloon sword fights with the children, playing games, letting the children pile on top of them, gave them gifts, and so much more. Don’t know which was harder for them rugby training, playing a match or this Christmas party. They were absolutely worn out. This was community team work at its best. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Whilst all this was going on the face painters and Scrap Store were involving those that wanted in creative events. At the start of the party the boys were reluctant to have their faces painted, however, by the end it was hard to spot one that hadn’t changed their mind.

When it came to Father Christmas (who is 80 years old) making his entrance the children were so well behaved (despite the excitement) they should be proud of themselves. It said it all when one little girl on going to collect her present ran across the room, threw her arms around him and gave him a great big kiss. It nearly brought the house down.

When it came to leaving at 4.00 p.m. the children were laden with their presents from Father Christmas, gifts from the rugby team and goody bags which consisted of selection boxes, books donated by the local library, goody packs of drawing materials and santa hats, etc. donated by the local train company, more toys, teddy bears, etc. Can you just image them on the coaches going home. It may sound like a lot to give a child at a party but remember they are not as fortunate as many.

Every one who was at this party will have great memories of it for quite sometime and that includes the volunteers (all from local companies) who worked so hard to ensure the party was a great success.

Can I say a great big thank you for all the messages of support and for the money saving tips received on these boards which have helped to ensure that the money we raised to fund this party was spent as wisely as possible. Keep the tips coming in as we will be doing it all again next year.

I have so enjoyed hearing about many other projects that people on these boards are involved in, keep up the good work as it is appreciated.

If you ever get the chance to get involved in something like this or are thinking of doing it and are able then give it a go. It is so worthwhile and can be a reality check that maybe things aren’t as bad as they could be.

I shall be spending the next few weeks planning my own family Christmas now as I haven’t even started. I am so looking forward to it.

Can I wish you all a fantastic Christmas, have a wonderful time and enjoy it.

Am going to go now before I start blubbering again - and THANK YOU.

deb

Sounds fab rheme - well done!!!

boglin

A huge WELL DONE rheme and all the others who helped to make this party such a a great success for the children. I'm sure that the memory of this will last with you all (including the kids) long after the sweets have been eaten and the toys played with!

Have a restful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

:xmassign:

wissychraddle

cwp500 wrote: »

P.S. dont try ASDA - they are WALMART and very unlikely to want to assist you in any way.

Good luck,

I disagree, I have done community events in the past and the Tamworth ASDA branch has always helped. They supplied us with food and drink for Sea Cadets and litterpickers.

I would say it is worth a try contacting the Events Coordinator at your local ASDA they were always great with us.

CJ

shanleypink

wissychraddle wrote: »

QUOTE "Got an extra bonus when the woman on the till didn't ring the right amount in and I saved £45.00:D "

That's good, so in the eyes of the law, you've just admitted to Theft! :T

Ever heard of Bah Humbug?

Don't be sooooo miserable...

nortyshaz

Rheme,

What can i say...have just read all of the thread you have done a brilliant thing and should feel very proud of yourself.:T

Reading what you have done has made me stop and think, I manage a childrens day nursery and just from reading what you have put has got me thinking that next year or maybe at easter i could ask parents to donate a easter egg or gift and then send them on to a local charity for children.

Really makes you stop and think about how lucky we all are.

Well done to you and everybody who worked with you putting in so many hours work for such a good cause.:T

Shaz

Tulip

well done Rheme

Have a great christmas and New Year

Katie

Burlesque_Babe

Have to say I've just read your report of the party and I had to wipe away a tear.

Well done - I hope that you get post of the month for your efforts.

Lara

Well Done rheme:A :T . Like keren I too had a tear in my eye reading your detailed description of how it all went. You must be so proud that everything ran smoothly and the children loved every minute. The little girl running to Santa is how it should be - completely and utterly wrapped up in the excitement and totally believing everything about a magical Christmas.

May I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year. You and your helpers certainly deserved it :T :T .

boglin

Just bumping this post up in the hope that rheme will read it and do as MSE Andrea has asked in the December Post of the Month thread :

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=618809&page=4

:beer: