Totally Awesome York has launched its Starlight Christmas Campaign – with the goal of bringing joy to seriously ill children and their families during the festive season.
The independent toy shop on Colliergate unveiled its dedicated Starlight Giving Tree at the start of December, and the campaign has already raised over £300 for the charity.
The funds raised in York will go directly towards supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation’s essential services, including play resources, distraction tools, and specialist support used in hospitals across the UK – helping children cope with the fear, stress, and anxiety associated with treatment.
These services are used in healthcare settings such as York Hospital as part of the charity’s mission to transform the healthcare experience for young patients.
Starlight is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to putting the power of play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.
Through tailored programs and donated play resources Starlight works to make hospital environments less intimidating and more supportive for children aged up to 17 who are undergoing treatment for serious illnesses or living with long-term conditions.
In a statement provided to support the campaign, Starlight said: “Their generosity in creating a festive giving tree — with every purchase from it helping to fund our vital play services — will make a meaningful difference to children and their families who are spending time in hospital during the festive season.
“Partnerships like this remind us of the power of community and kindness, especially at this time of year. Thank you for helping us bring comfort and joy to children who need it most.”
Starlight’s work helps young patients feel more at ease, more resilient, and more connected to the world beyond the hospital bed.
Totally Awesome York invites customers, visitors, and local families to stop by the shop, choose a gift from the Starlight Giving Tree, and make a difference.
With your support, the campaign hopes to reach a fundraising total that will significantly enhance the charity’s ability to support children in hospitals before the New Year.
