The annual Met Police Christmas Tree Appeal has launched for Christmas 2023 to ensure thousands of gift-less children in London wake up to one on Christmas Day.

On Tuesday, 21 November, the Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley was joined by 11-year-old Alicja Mglej to switch on the lights of the Christmas Tree outside New Scotland Yard, officially kicking off the campaign.

The pupil from St Mary's RC Primary School in Enfield was the chosen winner of a competition to design the poster for this years' campaign.

Alicja's winning design was chosen from 100s of entries from pupils across primary schools in London.

Alicja Mglej from St Mary's RC Primary School desinged the Christmas Tree Appeal 2023 poster (credit: Met Police).

Since the campaign launched in 2011, generous donations from members of the public has meant that more than 150,000 children woke up to a gift under their tree.

Last year, presents were brought for over 16,000 children in London.

This year, the Met are again working with the Childhood Trust to encourage even more people to purchase presents or donate money to the campaign.

Met Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, awarded Alicja Mglej with a certificate for winnning the Christmas Tree Appeal Poster Competiton (credit: Met Police).

Inspector Colin Reed, from Frontline Policing Delivery Unit, said: "While Christmas is a time of joy for many, for children living in poverty in London, this period can be particularly difficult.

"This year, working with the Childhood Trust, we are hoping to deliver presents to thousands of children in London so that they can feel joy on Christmas morning."

Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of the Childhood Trust said: "More than ever before children in the care system need our support this Christmas. There are thousands of children dreading the festive period because they know they won't receive a gift, or have a family around them to celebrate with. We hope that Londoners will reach out by generously gifting a present or donation to bring joy to a vulnerable and disadvantaged child this Christmas."

To find out more about the Christmas Tree Appeal and donate, click here.

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