Eleven-year-old Alicja’s design was picked ahead of hundreds of other entries across London

An Enfield schoolgirl’s design for a poster to promote the annual Met Police Christmas Tree Appeal has been picked ahead of hundreds of other entries across London.

The appeal was launched yesterday (Tuesday 21st) to ensure thousands of children in London – who may otherwise go without a gift – wake up to one on Christmas Day.

At the launch last night Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley was joined by eleven-year-old Alicja Mglej to switch on the lights of the Christmas tree outside New Scotland Yard, officially kicking off the campaign.

Alicja is a pupil at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Ponders End and was the chosen winner of a competition to design the poster for this years’ campaign.

Since the annual appeal first began in 2011, generous donations from members of the public has meant that more than 150,000 children have woken up to a gift under their tree. Last year, presents were brought for over 16,000 children in London.

This year, the Met Police is again working with the Childhood Trust to encourage even more people to purchase presents or donate money to the campaign.

Inspector Colin Reed said: “While Christmas is a time of joy for many, for children living in poverty in London, this period can be particularly difficult. This year, working with the Childhood Trust, we are hoping to deliver presents to thousands of children in London so that they can feel joy on Christmas morning.”

Laurence Guinness, chief executive of the Childhood Trust, added: “More than ever before children in the care system need our support this Christmas. There are thousands of children dreading the festive period because they know they won’t receive a gift, or have a family around them to celebrate with.

“We hope that Londoners will reach out by generously gifting a present or donation to bring joy to a vulnerable and disadvantaged child this Christmas.”

Donate to the Met Police Christmas Tree Appeal:
Visit metchristmastreeappeal.org

Dispatch readers are welcome to nominate their own ‘Edmonton Youth Hero’ – an inspirational young person (16 or under) from Edmonton who has made a valuable contribution to their local community. Simply email your nomination to [email protected]

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