Story added: 11th December 2023
Monday 4th December saw the Foundation’s Realising Potential participants’ Christmas Shoebox Appeal come to fruition with 45 shoeboxes packed and wrapped for Ukrainian refugees in Norfolk.
Stepping Stones is a Norwich-based day centre establishing a safe and welcoming environment for adults with learning disabilities. As part of our Realising Potential outreach work, Stepping Stones’ students were tasked with creating, planning and delivering a social action project to demonstrate the skills they have learnt.
The group chose a Christmas Shoebox Appeal for the Ukrainian refugees supported by Norfolk County Council to showcase their developed teamwork, communication and leaderships skills. Friends and family kindly donated a variety of items, including toys, toiletries and stationery. Participants were gifted items from local businesses, too.
On the day, a grand total of 45 shoeboxes were wrapped. Each box included a toothbrush and toothpaste, glue, a Norwich City bag and Norwich City player-themed recipe, and a teddy, topped with a handwritten card.
The participants, along with the Disability team, channelled their festive spirit in an assortment of Santa hats, reindeer antlers and Christmas jumpers (we spotted a few canary-themed Christmas knits too!).
During the day, Norwich City veteran Wes Hoolahan visited the group and lent a hand wrapping and packing the presents… albeit without a pair of antlers!
Ellie Dickinson, the Foundation’s Realising Potential Officer, was keen to praise the hard work of the students, “The group worked so hard to organise their social action plan and had a fantastic day. It felt like a proper Santa’s grotto! We are so proud of our participants, and they should be so proud of what they’ve achieved.”
The efforts of our Realising Potential team will be fully appreciated when their shoeboxes are donated to the Ukrainian refugees working with Norfolk County Council at an event on 22nd December.
To find out about our Realising Potential programme, click here.
20th August 2024
On Monday 19th August, children on our goalkeeping residential at The Nest were treated to a special visit from four Norwich City first-team 'keepers.
13th August 2024
Last week, The Nest played host to the return of the Canary Cup, with representative development teams from our fellow CCO's across the country all taking to the pitch for a shot at silverware.
26th July 2024
Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp returned to her roots to officially open The Lauren Hemp Community Pitch in Norwich today, named in recognition of the part she’s played in the huge success of the Lionesses.
16th July 2024
Norwich City Powerchair Football team emerge victorious over Nomad Knights in Premiership playoff clash.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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