OPFS launches appeal to offer children ‘a brighter Christmas’

OPFS has launched its Christmas appeal to support single parent families struggling with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis this winter.

Donations from the #ABrighterChristmas appeal will be used to ensure families have essential food and fuel over the winter months, so no child is cold or goes without a present this Christmas

According to the recent ‘Living without a Lifeline’ report, 3 in 5 single parents are struggling or unable to afford energy costs and over 40% of single parents are struggling or unable to afford food.

One single parent accessing support from OPFS Edinburgh said:

“Christmas is a nice time for kids. I try to be happy when Christmas comes, but it’s hard because they always think there will be lots of presents, so I need to spend more money and it’s stressful, to be honest. I’m just glad OPFS can help. They give my kids Christmas toys every year, which means I don’t really need to worry too much about that.”

Satwat Rehman, CEO of OPFS said:

“Most single parents have no savings, many are already struggling to pay off debt, and Christmas is proving to be a huge source of stress for many parents calling our Lone Parent Helpline, really worried because they have no money left to buy presents for their children or to make a special Christmas day meal.

“We hear heart-breaking stories from parents who are sacrificing their own health and wellbeing in order to meet the basic needs of their children, often eating leftovers or skipping meals altogether.

“It will be very hard for parents who are struggling to meet even these basic costs to make Christmas the enjoyable, relaxing and special occasion it should be for their children.

“Your donations can make it a brighter Christmas for single parent families. Donations raised will directly benefit the children of single parent families accessing our support to ensure they can pay for essential food and fuel during the winter months, stay warm and ensure their children do not go without a present this Christmas.

You can donate to the #ABrighterChristmas appeal online.