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Optilan Christmas heroes appeal

This year Optilan aims to bring some festive cheer to families affected by childhood cancer, by participating in Shine A Light Support Service’s Christmas appeal.

Optilan has pledged £2,000 to the Coventry-based charity, Shine A Light Support Service, as part of a campaign to donate unused funds set aside for festivities to a worthy cause.

Shine A Light Support Service is a registered charity offering a unique range of services for families affected by childhood cancer in Coventry and Warwickshire. Their services are designed to support children and young people between the ages of 0-24 and their parents and siblings, throughout this devastating and life changing experience.

Unfortunately, due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19, this year the charity has been unable to deliver the level of personal support they have become known for. The pandemic has also had a catastrophic impact on fundraising events which they have been forced to cancel. These normally generate the vital income needed to sustain the charity’s operations.

Bill Bayliss, CEO of Optilan, commented, “2020 has understandably been a challenging year for us all, but especially so for charities who rely heavily on public donations to fund their operations.

Optilan are keen to lend their support to local charities, with Shine A Light’s Christmas Appeal a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community. The reality is that Christmas will undoubtedly be different this year, but are still determined to make it special and knowing that we can help a worthy cause is extremely rewarding.”

Optilan will donate 100 gifts as part of the charity’s Christmas Appeal to spread a little Christmas cheer after what has been an extremely challenging year for families affected by childhood cancer. These families have not only faced the stress of COVID-19, but many have had the additional pressure of cancer treatment and long periods of isolation and shielding this year.

Sam Schoolar, Volunteer CEO at Shine A Light Support Service, “We are extremely grateful for Optilan’s generous donation that has allowed us to surpass our goal of providing 100 presents to families within our care. Our young people and their families are going through so much right now. An unexpected gift under the tree on Christmas morning, no matter how small, can be a welcome distraction. It lets them know somebody is thinking about them.”

Optilan is delighted to be able to support Shine A Light’s Christmas Appeal and get to the heart of the real spirit of Christmas.

For more information about Shine A Light, visit the organisations website at www.shinealightss.org.uk.