Biggest Year Yet for Cram the Van

Radio Skye’s Cram saw the biggest year yet for its Cram the Van Toy Appeal during one of the most difficult years financially for many families across Skye & Lochalsh. This year over five thousand pounds was raised between sponsorship and donations via its Just Giving page and collections boxes that enabled the station to buy gift vouchers, selection boxes, toiletry gift packs and extra toys which went along with its toy appeal that also saw a huge increase in the giving of brand-new toys that meant 222 children and young people would receive gifts last Christmas.

Toy bins were stationed across shops, banks, and cafés within the listening area from Uig to Lochcarron, where people could donate new toys for children ages from just a few months upwards. Teenagers received gift vouchers, toiletry packs and chocolate selection packs with families also receiving vouchers for the infant age group.

This year the campaign was sponsored by long time supporter Cormack Painters and Decorators and for a second year Rankins Supermarket in Uig and this year the team were delighted to be sponsored by James McQueen Building Contractors and RHouse who also encouraged their suppliers to support the campaign too bringing in much need extra donations.

Station Manager Suzy Lee says ‘Again, we are overwhelmed by the support from the community. In such difficult times, we thought we would struggle to raise enough money, but we were bowled over when we realised it was our best year yet. It’s always an honour to deliver the campaign, which is heading into its tenth year in 2023, we wish there wasn’t a need for it, but we see year on year there are families who need the extra support, and we are so pleased to play our part.’

Cram the Van partners with local services and organisations including Highland Council Children’s Services, Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau, The Health Visitor Teams, Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, Skye and Lochalsh Community Food Bank, Ross Women’s Aid to deliver all the toys and vouchers in time for Christmas, the campaign is completely confidential and is designed to support families without young people realising that support is in place.

For a second year Radio Skye would like to thank Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau for allowing the team to use their premises for sorting and storing toys. Suzy goes on to say ‘They do incredible work all year round and we are proud to partner with them on Cram the Van.

The 2022 campaign kicked off with presenter Marty Mackillop doing a Skye Dive to raise funds for Cram the Van, this was followed by it’s now annual 24-Hour Live event in October. For 2023 the station is putting together a team for the Skye Half Marathon so they will be hoping for plenty of cheers on the day to help them get round the course.