Barnardo’s children get into the Christmas spirit

Children and parents using Barnardo’s stay and play service in Crystal Palace got into the festive spirit by hosting a ‘Kidsmas’ party in support of the charity’s new Christmas campaign.

Along with games, dancing to Christmas music and winter-related arts and crafts, toddlers at the Triangle received a special visit from the Barnardo’s Kidsmas Snowman and RickyZoom, the lead character from the first ever pre-school all-bike show for pre-schoolers, Ricky Zoom.

During a busy morning and afternoon the children took part in a snowball-throwing competition with foam snowballs and enjoyed seeing if they could get them to stick on the Snowman. They also took it in turns to sit and have a photo with a life-sized version of the popular animated character, Ricky Zoom. Each child received a Ricky Zoom goodie bag.

Volunteers at the Triangle helped organise a Kidsmas raffle and tombola with prizes including donated toy shop vouchers, children’s dolls and games and toiletries.

Gloria McSweeney from South Norwood, who is a volunteer at the Triangle, said: “It was great to help with the Kidsmas party. The raffle and tombola proved to be a popular hit with the parents and children.

“The children really enjoyed meeting the Barnardo’s Kidsmas Snowman and it was wonderful to see such joy on their faces.”