MORE WAYS TO GIVE

Birthdays should feel magical. They should feel like a celebration of who a child is and who they’re becoming. But for many families across Kirklees, the cost of living means birthdays quietly pass by without presents, without excitement, and sometimes without any recognition at all.

Every Birthday Counts exists to change that.

Thanks to the overwhelming kindness shown during last year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, we can now make sure children and young people who might otherwise go without can unwrap a gift chosen just for them, something that says you are seen, you are valued, and your birthday matters.

What to donate

We welcome new, unwrapped gifts suitable for ages 0–18. Gifts for teenage boys and girls are especially treasured, as they are often the hardest to source.

Where to donate

All birthday gifts can be dropped off at:

Brian Jackson House New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP Drop off during our usual opening hours, or contact us if you’re unsure.

Christmas should be a time of warmth, excitement and togetherness; but for many families, it can be a time of worry. Our Christmas Gift Appeal helps lift that weight, ensuring children and young people across Kirklees wake up to a gift chosen with care and kindness.

Last year, your generosity was extraordinary. The toys and gifts donated didn’t just fill stockings, they filled homes with joy, relief and gratitude. They helped parents breathe easier. They helped children feel included. They helped families feel supported.

What to donate

We ask for new, unwrapped gifts suitable for ages 0–18, with a particular need for teenage gifts, which make a huge difference to older children who are often overlooked.

Where to donate

All Christmas gifts can be dropped off at:

Brian Jackson House New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP Drop off during our usual opening hours, or contact us if you’re unsure.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

Whether it’s a birthday present or a Christmas surprise, your gift becomes more than an item; it becomes a moment of joy, a memory, a boost of confidence, a reminder that someone cares. You help children and young people feel celebrated, supported and valued at times when they need it most.

Your kindness truly changes futures.

There are ways that you can raise donations for us that won’t cost you a penny but will make a big difference to us.

Easyfundraising

There are over 6,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S.

All you need to do is:

1. Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/freshfutures/ and join for free.

2. Every time you shop online, go to Easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.

3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Yorkshire Children’s Centre at no extra cost to you whatsoever.

Joining the lottery is a great way to help us raise the vital funds we need to continue to deliver our vital services that support disadvantaged and vulnerable children, young people, and their families now and in the future.

Go to https://freshfutures.unitypayments.co.uk to join.

How it Works

It costs just £1 per entry, per week, to play.
When you sign up, you will be allocated a six-digit lottery number which will remain yours for as long as you wish to keep playing. You can purchase more entries if you wish.
To win, you have to match 3, 4, 5 or all 6 digits of the winning number in the correct place in the sequence. So if the winning number is 9 3 5 8 7 6, and your unique lottery number is 3 5 9 8 2 7, you will have matched 4 numbers in sequence and won £25.

Winners will be notified automatically, so there is no need to claim. Players must be 16 or over to enter.

The prizes are as follows:
– 6 digits in the correct place wins £25,000
– 5 digits in the correct place wins £1,000
– 4 digits in the correct place wins £25
– 3 digits in the correct place wins 5 entries into the next draw

From each £1 entry/player registered, Fresh Futures will receive a minimum of 50p. The rest of the money will go towards prizes (18.4%) and on the running cost and administration of the lottery (31.6%).

The following link details how the winners are selected.

https://www.unitylottery.co.uk/prizes/

Gifts in Kind are a way of giving with donations of goods or services, other than money or grant funding.

Examples of Gifts in Kind include goods from businesses, for example laptops, furniture, or office equipment, or offering specialist services voluntarily without charge.

If you would like to discuss any Gift in Kind offers, please contact [email protected]

Thank you for considering leaving us a gift in your Will.

Writing a Will is a good way to plan for the needs of your family and loved ones, and by leaving a gift to Fresh Futures, no matter what size, you can positively improve the lives of others and inspire change now and in the future.

If you wish to include Fresh Futures in your Will you will need the following information:

Registered Name: Fresh Futures (NCC) 

Registered Charity No. 288125

Address: New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP

We strongly suggest contacting a professional for advice when drawing up or amending your Will.

A solicitor will be able to advise you on leaving charitable gifts when making a Will.

When choosing a solicitor, we suggest you check how much they charge and, if possible, get recommendations from others before enlisting.

You may be entitled to legal aid if you are 70 or over; disabled; a parent of a disabled person and wish for that person to be provided for in the Will; or a single person that wishes to appoint a guardian in the Will. More information can be found at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you decide to leave a gift to our charity, your solicitor may use some specific wording to ensure your wishes are carried out. The suggested wording below covers the main types of charitable gifts:

‘I give to Fresh Futures, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP, Registered Charity Number 288125, ………………. % of my estate / the sum of £………………. / specific item(s) ………………………………. to be used for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or duly authorised Officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Executors.’

Different Types of Gifts in Wills

Residuary Gift – A gift of any portion of your estate that remains after payment of debts, administration expenses and distribution of any specific gifts.

Pecuniary Gift – A gift of a specific amount of money you desire to donate. Such gifts can be expressed to be ‘index linked’ so the sum gift holds its value in line with inflation.

Specific Gift – A gift of a specific item you wish to leave, for example jewellery, artwork, or furniture.

Many supporters choose to leave a share of their estate (a residuary gift) for the simple reason that it keeps pace with inflation and enables you to ensure that your family and friends are cared for. After you have thought about those closest to you, would you consider leaving just 1% of your estate to Fresh Futures?

For further information about leaving a gift in your Will please contact [email protected]