BUSINESSES are coming together in Newquay to bring Christmas cheer to the community.

L&K Travel and J Savage Financial have launched the Newquay Community Christmas project, which aims to ensure every child in the town can receive a present. They have arranged a fundraising day hosted at Project Eighty Three, which will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 10am to 2pm.

People are invited to donate a Christmas present in person if they prefer, whilst enjoying entertainment as a thank you, led by local music artists Josh Curnow, Kello Hub and Selena Brose giving their time to ramp up the festive vibe on the day.

A tombola will be staged on the day with various prizes up for grabs. All proceeds raised will go directly towards the Newquay's community Christmas mission.

The project will culminate in a community donation event at St Michael’s Church on December 22 and 23 between 10am and 2pm. People will be able to attend to choose an unwrapped gift to give to someone else. The event will feature tables full of toys ranging from infants to teens, gifts for adults and a space for essentials such as bodywash and toothpaste.

Jessica Gardener, runs L&K Travel at the Killacourt, said: “The project started in 2024 when we bought a little Santa’s letterbox. We asked the community of Newquay to anonymously nominate people who they feel need help this Christmas, or to put themselves forward.

“Sometimes we find that pride gets in the way. Many people don’t want to admit they need help, no matter what their situation is.”

Her husband Laurie, who also runs L&K Travel, added: “The Christmas appeal just took off. The outpouring of support for the idea was incredible. We were absolutely inundated with presents. It really showed what Newquay is all about.”

Jess said: “It was never about us. As a parent of two little ones, I would never want to imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning thinking that Father Christmas missed them. Or having no food on Christmas Day. It’s just an awful thought.

“People may not understand that someone donating a small toy could lead to the best present that child gets all year.

“People can support the appeal in different ways by physically dropping donations via L&K Travel from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm, donate via the Go Fund Me page, which will be used to buy food and vouchers to add to the event at St Michaels.

“Purchase a gift from the Amazon wishlist for toys, which will be delivered to a central address. Volunteer your time in December, either through delivering toys and gifts around the town or helping at the event. Shout about the event across social media.”

James Savage, has worked with charities in Newquay for many years, most recently supporting DISC, until Covid changed the way toys could be donated.

James said: “In the years that followed 2020, I started working with businesses on voucher donation initiatives or ‘Amazon Wish Lists’ around Christmas time.

“When Jess and Laurie messaged me this year, joining forces was a no-brainer. I just think a project like this is one of the most important things you can do on a local level.”

“It’s also just nice to see businesses collaborate rather work in silo for their own recognition. Recognising strengths. It’s not about us; it’s about the act of charity and spirit of Christmas.”

The team are also hoping to increase donations of gifts for older people.

Jess said: “We know a lot of the elderly community will be alone this year, or perhaps unable to buy for their spouse. That’s what this project is about; helping them to spread joy in their own way.”

Laurie added: “We’re thinking beyond toys this year. “There are things which people shouldn’t be without such as toiletries - but unfortunately, they are.”

The Christmas donation event will be supported by organisations who help people individually around town such as the Salvation Army and Newquay Foodbank.

Stacey Matthias, the operation manager at Newquay Foodbank, said: “The work that Jess and Laurie are doing shows the great community spirt that Newquay has. Sadly, with the cost-of-living crisis sees many residents needing that little extra help. With local initiatives like this one it makes Christmas less daunting for many and helps to ensure that all supported have a more enjoyable Christmas.”

Jessica, who moved with Laurie to Newquay from Bristol five years ago, pointed out that everyone has the power to do something for their town.

She said: “We decided early on that if we’re going to set up life here, if our kids are going to grow up by the sea, go to school here, if we’re going to launch a business. We’re going to give back. We’re very lucky to have been accepted; we just want to play our part.

“People doing things individually is fantastic, of course. And we see that sprit all year round. But this project is about bringing the town together. Just imagine what we could do as a town for those who need support the most.”

“Newquay Community Christmas is about supporting you. If you would benefit from any of the donations this year, come along to the event in December, or just get in touch.”