Mersey charity Nugent makes Easter Egg-stra special for hundreds of children and adults

One of Liverpool’s oldest charities made it a ‘hoppy’ Easter after delivering hundreds of eggs and chocolate treats.

Nugent has given out more than 500 Easter eggs and goodies to children as well as young people and adults in its care, courtesy of its very own Easter Bunny, volunteer Mark Callister.

Fundraising manager Ainsley Briscoe said:

“We wanted to give those we care for the ‘hoppiest’ of Easters this year.

“It was such a heart-warming day, visiting our different services, and meeting everyone with the Easter bunny who kindly delivered the treats.”

With Mark, a support worker at Emmaus Merseyside, Nugent made the egg-stra-special delivery to various children’s homes, its adults homes for those suffering with mental health problems, its school for children with complex needs, and its secure home for children who have suffered high levels of abuse, trauma and neglect, or are victims of exploitation.

Ainsley added:

“One young person said, ‘these can’t all be for me… really are they all for me?! Thank you’.”

Along with individual donors and sponsors like Swansway Motor Group, Barclays and PAM Healthcare, many of the eggs were donated by Christ the King Primary School in Wavertree which is also supporting Nugent’s Good Shepherd Appeal.

Last week its pupils took part in a sponsored walk with Nugent’s Woolly the Sheep.

The Good Shepherd Appeal is one of the oldest charity appeals in the UK and has supported thousands of families across Merseyside for more than 113 years… and still does.

Ainsley said:

“Sadly, the reality for some children living in our communities is that they simply don’t have the basics that we just take for granted, whether it’s a family living hand to mouth, struggling to pay the rent, a homeless mother and child fleeing domestic abuse, or a young person, struggling with life until they find a sanctuary and safe place with us.

“For more than 140 years, Nugent has been a vital safety net, supporting children and young people living in poverty, crisis, or just struggling with life, and restoring their sense of dignity and purpose.

“In 2023 we’re providing support and care where local government funding and austerity is impacting most and creating hardship.”

She added:

“The Good Shepherd Appeal has just as much relevance today, helping children and young people where it’s needed most, perhaps finding a child a ‘forever family’ through our adoption service, making our children feel safe and happy in our nurturing school and children’s homes, or providing food, toys, hampers and goods for families in crisis. 

“And we will continue to work to deliver the best services for the children and adults who seek our support. The funds raised through The Good Shepherd Appeal go back out to our communities across Liverpool, through our crisis fund and helping Nugent in its vital work of caring for, educating, protecting, and inspiring those in need.”

Nugent has thanked all the schools and people who have donated to its Easter Egg Appeal and The Good Shepherd Appeal.

And says it is still possible to ‘spread the joy’ this Easter – and beyond.

To find out more about Nugent click here.