There is no doubt that C4K is a small charity. With a core team of just five staff, all of whom are part-time, it's a wonder we get as much done as we do each year! Well, we are not alone. C4K is lucky enough to have three fantastic and generous volunteers, who give us their energy, skills, enthusiasm and, possibly the most precious gift of all - their time. And we would love to introduce them to you...
Philippa Rae
I originally contacted Christmas for Kids when I saw an advert offering actors opportunities to perform in their seasonal shows and asked how I could get involved.
Having had experience with other charities in fundraising and events, and coming from a performing arts background working with children, I was drawn to the way the arts can be used to make a difference and in particular the wonderful work this charity does.
Though I was involved in the technical performance aspects of dance some time ago, it is still close to my heart and I feel my spirit lift when in the atmosphere of a live musical entertainment. This combined with the team’s commitment to help others is instantly uplifting.
My work for the charity this year has been mainly centered on researching funding options from both formal bodies such as trusts and the commercial sector. There is often a large volume of information to absorb to understand if the work Christmas for Kids does fits their remit. It is quite a specialised task and I am enjoying learning about it all!
I was very pleasantly surprised to discover how many commercial businesses have such a practical commitment to community partnerships… it’s a new world! Without this assistance many smaller charities would struggle to continue with all the good work they do.
I am so proud to play a part in contributing to the work C4K do and watching the charity grow is such a pleasure!!
Maria Crawford
Hi! My name is Maria. I’m a performer, a keen adventurer, a general optimist , an eco-warrior and most of all, a lover of the arts, who also wants to have a positive impact on lives of other people.
I heard about C4K through my singing teacher, Sue, who happens to be the one of the wonderful Artistic Directors of C4K! I approached her about getting involved with the charity, as I am enthusiastic about interacting with people from all walks of life and eager to learn from varied experiences.
Since the Summer, I have been lucky enough to be involved with the admin, outreach and fundraising side of C4K - working behind the scenes to get our fabulous show seen by as many people as possible this year. I am thrilled at the number of SEND schools we were able to reach this year with our digital show, most which we would never have been able to reach normally. And of course, it is so wonderful that we were able to send our shiny new show out to all the children’s hospices and hospitals that C4K has toured to in previous years, but weren’t able to visit in person this year.
Being a part of C4K has given me a fantastic insight into working within an arts charity, an avenue in which I aim to continue exploring and developing my skills. C4K is such a special charity, it really does have a positive impact on the lives of all those it touches. Being a part of the team this year has left me with that warm feeling inside, knowing we’ve been able to bring festive joy to so many children and families who really need it!
Fiona Philipps
I'm Fiona, and I joined the C4K team in 2021.
I have spent fifteen years working in education, working in both primary and secondary schools. I hold the National Award for SEN Coordination and have been a special educational needs coordinator in both mainstream and specialist schools, as well as working independently as an SEN assessor and consultant. Supporting the work of C4K in creating inclusive and accessible art and productions for children with complex needs is a cause close to my heart.
I support C4K with administration work including research, social media and planning.
