Give children a helping hand

Nov 23 2012 by Julie Simpson, Ayrshire Post

I suppose now that we’re more than half way through November, I should expect Christmas to be just about everywhere. Although to be honest it did seem to have a slower start this year. We’re always complaining that it gets earlier and earlier but, up until a week or so ago, I had barely heard a mention. Then, faster than the lights being switched on in the town, everything had suddenly gone festive. The shops have their decorations up, they’re playing Christmas tunes and you can’t move for mince pies and giant tubs of chocolates.

The big thing this year seems to be the epic television commercials. One particular department store started the trend a few years ago by putting on a cinematic style advert with a big ballad soundtrack.

Now everyone from supermarkets to department stores to clothes shops has jumped on the bandwagon.

The formula is simple, film lots of family scenes (including the artistic black and white shots), use plenty fake snow and take a well-known song and re-record it as a big ballad to use as the soundtrack.

I can’t ever recall a Christmas being like that in real life though. For a start, in the advert no one has fallen out, there are no drunken uncles and the dinner isn’t burnt to a crisp.

My favourite of all the commercials this year though has to be the story of the two snowmen, accompanied by a beautiful version of The Power of Love. It’s not quite how Christmas happens in my house, but who need reality?

Unfortunately, Christmas for 1 in 3 children across Ayrshire will be just another day. They won’t have a family dinner to look forward to or any presents to open on Christmas morning.

That’s why our Cash for Kids Charity is so important. You can get involved and make a real difference to the lives of children living in our area right now, and every penny raised goes to the kids.

Find out about a fundraising event near you or get in touch with us and let us know if you’re holding one of your own by visiting the website – westfm.co.uk/cashforkids or call West FM on 01292 283 662. aypn151112alahshaw