Cool FM and Downtown need YOUR help with annual Mission Christmas appeal 🎁

The largest Christmas gift appeal in the UK, ‘Mission Christmas’ is back – and they need you! Cash for Kids, the official charity of Cool FM and Downtown, have today kickstarted their annual appeal to listeners and locals to buy an extra gift and help thousands of disadvantaged children in Northern Ireland.

In 2024 Mission Christmas collected £14.8 million in gifts and cash donations, which were used to make sure that 289,596 children and young people had presents to open on Christmas Day. Locally, this meant that 17,480 children in Northern Ireland were able to open a gift on the big day.

Once again as the cost of living continues to hit families across the UK, the charity is anticipating a huge level of demand for their support. This year across Northern Ireland applications on behalf of 19,707 children have already been received.

Clare McGimpsey (Regional Charity Manager) said: “Every child should feel the excitement of waking up to presents on Christmas morning and that’s why every year Mission Christmas is so important to us. Our community have always been so incredibly generous so, if you can, please just buy one extra gift this year and we’ll make sure it goes to a child who truly deserves it.”

Supporters can take their gifts to a number of drop-off points near them, including local B&M and Harry Corry stores. Simply head to our website from 17th November and enter your postcode to find the drop-off point closest to you.

Supporters can also buy a gift online which will be delivered directly to the purchaser’s nearest Mission HQ for no delivery fee.

Just head to cashforkidsgive.co.uk/donate/mission-christmas-2025-gift-list-northern-ireland to browse the gift list.

Cash for Kids works with thousands of grass-root organisations across the UK who support disadvantaged children (0 – 18 years). Throughout the Mission Christmas campaign, these organisations along with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

Thank you for your continued support!

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.