Society Christmas appeal is something to smile about

Yorkshire Building Society is hoping to put smiles on youngsters’ faces this year as it joins forces with CLIC Sargent to launch its annual Christmas fundraising appeal.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity. The national appeal has been named ‘Granting Smiles’ and the Society hopes to raise £100,000 across all its 131 branches and 75 agencies, which will enable the charity to give care grants of £100 to the families they support. These donations will help to relieve some financial strain during the festive period and help make Christmas ‘Smiles Better’ for children who are living with cancer.

Geoff Thaxter, Director of Services for CLIC Sargent, said: “Money may seem the least of a family’s worries when a child is diagnosed with cancer, yet the sudden costs of travelling to hospital, arranging childcare for siblings and taking time off work often make circumstances even more difficult. In fact, statistics have shown that in the first three months following diagnosis, additional costs can be as much as £1,500. The care grants can make such a difference, particularly at Christmas time, so we urge people to help ‘Grant Smiles’ at their nearest Yorkshire Building Society branch.”