A FAMILY support charity is launching its first festive appeal to help children facing hardship.

The Snowflake Appeal, organised by Home-Start Ryedale, in Norton, will raise funds to support families in the area who are struggling to cope. Ruth Heron, co-ordinator for the charity, said: “Many young children face hardship and disadvantage in their daily lives.

“When families struggle to cope with illness, disability, bereavement, poor housing, mental ill health, or a combination of these issues at once, Home-Start volunteers are in a position to provide friendship and support to them until they can stand on their own two feet again.

“The needs of all children and families are unique and Home-Start Ryedale is able to match each family with a volunteer who can empathise with some of the strains of parenthood and help the family to face the challenges they experience.”

Set up in 2007, Home-Start Ryedale has supported 165 children in 75 different families. However, in order to facilitate this work, they are reliant on continuous fundraising.

As part of the Snowflake Appeal, the charity is taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Church, in Norton, from Saturday to Sunday, December 7.

“We will be displaying a Christmas tree decorated with snowflakes made by local children, families and Home-Start volunteers, staff and trustees,” Ruth said.

“It is set to be a wonderful event and gives Home-Start Ryedale an opportunity to raise awareness of the work we do matching local families who are experiencing difficulties with our trained volunteers who provide support in the family homes.”

Ruth said the use of snowflake decorations would be a visual reminder of how unique and fragile each and every child that they support is.

“We are also asking people to do something they love doing, to help raise funds, whether you knit or crotchet snowflake Christmas decorations to sell, do a sponsored run to the North Pole – on the treadmill – or get your school or local community involved in a snowflake-themed bake sale, there is a way to fundraise to suit everyone,” she said.

“All funds raised by our local Snowflake Appeal will go to help local children and families in the Ryedale area.”

One local mum who has been supported by the charity, said: “I live in a remote village with limited transport and feel so cut off from the outside world. “With the support of my Home-Start volunteer it’s no longer a struggle to go out and my children get to run and laugh and play.”

Free fundraising ideas packs, events posters and invitations are available from snowflake.org.uk Supporters can also buy exclusive Christmas cards, pin badges or fundraising sticker kits from the site.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact Ruth Heron at Home-Start Ryedale, 43 Parliament Street, Norton, YO17 9HE, phone 01653 693551 or email HSRyedale@googlemail.com