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Home People Help a charity raise £40,000 for rail children this Christmas

Help a charity raise £40,000 for rail children this Christmas

The Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) needs your help raising £40,000 for rail children in the UK this Christmas.

The much-loved charity launched its Children’s Fund in May this year, when it experienced a huge rise in requests for help from families with children. It said the impact of lockdown, of home schooling and of reductions in income for rail families has created real difficulties for many, who are struggling to cover the basic costs families incur when bringing up children.

The RBF Children’s Fund offers grants of about £300 to purchase anything from school uniforms, sports kits and equipment to school books and new-born essentials.

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The charity has already supported more than 30 families and children via the Children’s Fund so far this year and has already seen an increase in demand this winter  — as energy costs rise and families start to feel the financial strain of Christmas.

One mother working as a platform assistant in the Midlands, Sally, recently received a grant from the RBF Children’s Fund. She said: “When I lost my overtime and became ill with Covid and had time off work, I found we were really struggling to afford the essentials, let alone think about Christmas costs. At first, I was reluctant to reach out to RBF but I’m so glad I did – they provided us with a grant of £300 to buy new winter coats for my children. It’s one less stress for me knowing I don’t have to worry about that cost!”

As a charity, RBF relies on the generosity of its supporters and the donations they raise – all of which go straight to funding the welfare and crisis needs of people working in rail. RBF President Pete Waterman said: “The kids in rail have a had another difficult year what with lockdowns, home-schooling and isolations. Here at RBF, our Christmas wish this year is to be able to provide help to all the railway families that come to us in tough times. If RBF reach their target of raising £40,000, they will be able to support 130 rail families and children in need this Christmas.

“By donating, you will make a real difference to railway families this Christmas and help to make this wish come true.”

Donate to support RBF via their JustGiving page, here.

Or click to visit the RBF Christmas Shop.

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