An East Staffordshire farm park has smashed its fundraising target for this year and handed over thousands of pounds to support those facing difficult times this Christmas.
The National Forest Adventure Farm, near Burton upon Trent, hoped to raise £4,000 this year, bringing its total fundraising efforts to £20,000 in its 20th year.
But various activities including sponsored netball tournaments, charity bingo nights, sponsored walks and bake sales have brought in £7,000.
Elves from the farm’s North Pole Adventure attraction took a break from their work to purchase hundreds of extra food items for the YMCA Burton foodbank and presented a £7,000 cheque to support the charity last week.
Tom Robinson, who runs the National Forest Adventure Farm with his brother Ivor, said it was important that the farm park was able to give back to the community.
He said: “As a family run attraction, we were more than happy to help our elves spread some extra festive cheer this year.
“Burton YMCA works tirelessly to support our local community, and it is why we chose them as our charity of the year for 2024.
“Although magical for many, Christmas can also be a difficult time of the year, and it was important we were able to offer our support to those facing challenges this festive season.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary since the farm first diversified and introduced a maize maze on the site.
The money will go towards supporting the YMCA which provides accommodation and guidance to those facing crisis and homelessness with outreach programmes and temporary accommodation.
Paula Senior, from the YMCA Burton, said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for some and so we really appreciate the National Forest Adventure Farm elves making a special stop off to bring some festive cheer to the centre.
“We have had a great year working with the National Forest Adventure Farm and joining them for some of their fundraising events. Thanks to the Robinson family and all the team for your tremendous support, energy and time given to help us continue our support within the community.”
The elves also delivered gifts to Queen’s Hospital Burton, which is part of the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, to support children and their families who need treatment over the festive period and visited Rider House Nursing Home and Burton Fields School, both in Burton, to spread further festive cheer.
