Proof that small acts can create big change: Little moments, big love in Leeds
As we move into spring, the Child Friendly Leeds team has been looking back with huge appreciation at the kindness, creativity, and community spirit that shone across the city during our recent giving offer. With the arrival of a new season, we’ve had the chance to to reflect more deeply and to say an enormous thank you to the ambassadors and partners who went above and beyond.
The 2025 season of giving was our biggest and most ambitious to date, and it simply would not have been possible without the organisations, businesses, and individuals who stepped forward to support children and young people across Leeds. Because of you, thousands of children and young people felt valued, included, and supported at a time when many families were facing real challenges.
A record-breaking offer
Thanks to your generosity, our 2025 offer reached thousands across Leeds and delivered impact on an unprecedented scale:
- 1,953 gifts collected and distributed
- 441 free tickets to festive and cultural experiences
- Two ambassador-hosted events
- An overall offer valued at more than £39,000
This support reached social work teams, family hubs, youth justice services, third‑sector organisations, community hubs, cluster teams, the Gypsy Roma community, refugees, parent care leavers, and some of the city’s most vulnerable families.
Ambassadors who made it happen
Our ambassadors and partners went above and beyond, offering time, resources, venues, gifts, and experiences that created lasting memories for children and young people.
Ambassadors who made it happen
- first direct bank
- Park Square Barristers
- The Grammar School at Leeds
- Lloyds Banking Group
- VINCI Building
- Trinity Leeds
- White Rose Centre
- Bella Italia
- From Fields
- Leeds Rhinos
- Heritage Theatres
- Hyde Park Picture House
- Boom Leeds / Canalside Community Music Space
- Madlug
From selection boxes and vouchers to event tickets and special access, your contributions made a genuine difference.
Events delivered by ambassadors
Two very special events were hosted by our ambassadors this Christmas:
Breakfast with Santa
Hosted with the White Rose Centre and Bella Italia, this warm and welcoming event brought families together for a joyful morning they’ll remember for a long time.
Christmas Film Screening
Hyde Park Picture House opened its doors for a relaxed and inclusive screening of Elf, giving young people a chance to enjoy a shared experience in a supportive environment.
Music fans with big hearts
One of the most unexpected moments came from a sold‑out punk gig in Armley, where over 300 fans arrived with toy donations. Alongside the bands, they contributed hundreds of gifts for families supported by youth justice services, social work teams, and community partners across Leeds.
More Than Gifts: Lasting Impact
While the numbers tell an incredible story, the true impact of our Christmas Giving offer is found in the experiences, confidence, and connections it created.
“Thank you for making my kids’ Christmas. This year has been so hard — any spare money has gone towards paying bills. I was scared about Christmas, but this has restored my faith. My babies have all got something they love and I cannot thank you enough. From one mum, thank you for making Christmas easier.”– Parent supported by Holbeck Together
“The young person who attended thoroughly enjoyed this experience and it also helped to rebuild the relationship with her foster carer, who she was going to go back and live with, as it had previously broken down.” – Placement Support Worker
“We were able to take the whole family bowling at the new King Pin complex at the White Rose Shopping Centre. This is something we could not afford to do as a family of five. The vouchers meant we could go to the cinema again later in the year. Thanks for such a generous offer.” – Parent
These stories remind us that the impact of Christmas Giving goes far beyond Christmas Day. It supports wellbeing, strengthens relationships, and creates opportunities that last well into the year ahead.
Thank You!
To every ambassador, organisation, business, band, donor, and volunteer, thank you. Your generosity, compassion, and belief in children and young people have helped make Leeds a truly Child Friendly City. We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together and are already excited to build on this success in the year ahead.
Together, we are making a difference. One child, one family, and one community at a time.
Get involved in 2026
We’re already looking ahead to next year, and we’d love to make our 2026 giving offer even bigger, brighter, and more impactful. If you or your organisation would like to get involved, partner with us, or explore ways to support children and young people across Leeds, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact us at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk to find out more
