Two Hull institutions with deep maritime roots are joining forces this festive season on a mission to ensure no seafaring family goes without a Christmas meal or a gift.
Fish merchant Smales is launching a fundraising campaign to provide every family supported by the charity Sailors’ Children’s Society with a Christmas voucher, helping to put food on the table, create lasting memories, and bring the magic of Christmas into homes that have faced hardship throughout the year.
The aim is to raise £10,000 by inviting customers to add a donation to their orders. In addition, Smales has rallied support from across the fish and chip and wider seafood industry, teaming up with leading suppliers and brands to create a raffle. Tickets cost £25 and prizes include fish and exclusive industry goodies, offering operators an opportunity to win bundles of high value stock to use in their businesses. An auction will also take place at the Chippy Chat Ball on Sunday 7th December to further boost the charity pot.
Rhiannon Beeson, head of fundraising and marketing at the Hull-based charity Sailors’ Children’s Society, said: “This partnership with Smales has gone from strength to strength, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be working with their team again this Christmas. They are a company with a proud maritime heritage and a genuine passion for giving back to the seafaring families we support.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will help us bring a little festive magic to children who might otherwise face a very different Christmas. The generosity of businesses like Smales and their customers is what makes it possible for us to continue our work and ensure every child feels cared for and included at such a special time of year.”
Each year, Sailors’ Children’s Society supports hundreds of children and families from Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing backgrounds who are facing financial or emotional crisis. Through monthly grants, clothing and school uniform support, and holiday breaks, the charity helps families rebuild stability and hope.
At Christmas, the charity provides Christmas vouchers ensuring that a family can shop for food, gifts and essentials that make the festive period feel normal again.
Bobby Joyce, sales and marketing director at Smales, added: “After seeing the impact of our Fish & Chip Day partnership earlier this year, we wanted to go a step further and ask the fish and chip sector to give something extra at Christmas. It’s a time of year that should be filled with happiness, and we know that for many of the families Sailors’ Children’s Society supports, it can be an incredibly challenging period.
“By asking our customers to add a small donation to their orders, we can all make a big difference. It’s a simple act of kindness that can help bring Christmas back for so many families, and we’re proud to play a part in that.
“A huge thank you to all of the businesses and suppliers who have supported this campaign — your generosity means the world.”
For businesses and individuals who’d like to get involved in the Christmas campaign or make a donation, visit www.sailorschildren.org.uk . Alternatively, click here to make a donation directly.
