Wrexham students organise campaign to collect pyjamas for vulnerable children

A group of kind-hearted university students have organised a Christmas campaign to collect pyjamas for vulnerable children.

The students, from Wrexham Glyndwr University’s Built Environment degree foundation year, will host a day-long appeal for Pyjama Party on Wednesday December 6th.

They are hoping for generous contributions from business people and retailers, along with nightwear donated by families and the wider north east Wales and North West community.

The students were asked to choose a charity and organise a fundraising event as part of their course, and decided on the Merseyside-based charity as it is a relatively new and smaller organisation looking to expand into the region.

Spokesman Rob Swift, from Liverpool, said they also wanted to give something back to children of all ages in the run up to the festive period.

“Christmas is a time when most of us are happy and lucky to have our family and friends around us, but for others it can be very difficult,” said Rob.

“There are families out there who are struggling, and children who are going without, so we wanted to do something to help.”

He added: “We will be placing collection points in the University reception area and library, so anyone can come along and donate pyjamas over the coming months.

“We are also asking students, staff and anyone else who comes to the University on December 6 to wear their pyjamas – even if it’s only for a few hours – to show their support on the big day.”

Pyjama Party Liverpool spokesman Ash Downing thanked the students for their gesture.

“We really appreciate your wonderful students supporting our appeal this year and are really excited to have them involved,” he said.

“It’s amazing to see a how a small idea has grown bigger each year and we’re really grateful that they want to help – thank you to each and every one of them.”

Pyjama Party Liverpool was set up in 2013 by Ash’s mum Karen Downing and her two friends, in response to a Shelter poster that stated 80,000 children and young people would be homeless that Christmas in Britain.

Last year, the figure rose to 120,000 and is likely to be higher again this year.

“It’s heart-breaking to think of and, whilst we know we can’t solve the problem, it was my mum’s intention to spread a little extra comfort and kindness to the children and young people in the local area,” added Ash.

“She originally planned to get family and friends involved and donate to the nearest hostel or shelter but once people heard about it they wanted to get involved too.

“Last year we received over 3,000 new pairs of pyjamas that were donated to children and young people who are homeless or in need across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and West Lancashire. It will be amazing to see that expand into North Wales.”

For information and to donate to the Built Environment appeal, email d.cheesbrough@glyndwr.ac.uk. Donations for children up to 16.

You can also follow @pyjamapartyliv on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.