Politicians’ plunge! Mayor and colleagues will skydive to boost New Journal's Christmas hamper appeal
Published: 4th November, 2010
by DAN CARRIER
EVERY year our big-hearted readers dig deep to raise funds for our Christmas hamper appeal – helping bring seasonal joy to neighbours who may not have the resources to make the Yuletide celebrations special.
And while we receive donations both big and small from individuals, this year we want offices, businesses, traders, schools, sports and social clubs to get involved – and help us make it a Christmas to remember for the elderly, single-parent families, and others in need.
Our campaign got a big boost this week when the Mayor of Camden Councillor Jonathan Simpson and three Labour Party colleagues – councillors Tulip Siddiq, Tom Neumark and Awale Olad – pledged to help by throwing themselves out an aeroplane. The quartet have volunteered for a sponsored parachute jump. The jump is due to take place at the end of November at the Sibson airfield in Peterborough.
Holborn and St Pancras councillor Awale Olad said: “Camden’s families will be really feeling the squeeze this Christmas and it is so important everyone does what they can to make sure people know they are not alone at this special time of year.”
Cllr Siddiq said: “I have fallen out of bed a few times but never from an aircraft.”
And Cllr Neumark added: “I am not scared of heights – but I am very scared of falling out of a plane.”
Our fundraising efforts can’t end there and we want you, our loyal readers, to match their generous offer. Not only would it be great if you could sponsor the councillors, why not raise funds among friends, work colleagues, team-mates or social clubs?
Right across the borough people are getting ready for Christmas – so how about having a whip-round at your work’s seasonal party, or getting together with others at your college, school, or workplace and thinking up a way of contributing to our fund?
- To sponsor the parachute jump, email tulip.siddiq@camden.gov.uk
- Mayor Simpson is hosting a Christmas Carol Service in aid of the New Journal hamper appeal on Tuesday, December 14 at Goodenough College in Mecklenburgh Square from 7pm.
- If you think you can help with our appeal email us at editorial@camdennewjournal.com
Where to send your gift
• Please send donations to: The Camden Journal Christmas Hamper Fund, 40 Camden Road, London NW1 9DR – and let those less fortunate know that others are thinking of them.