Children have penned a friendly message to those having a tough time this Christmas.
Youngsters at Magdalen Gates Primary School and Nursery, in Bull Close Road, wrote messages in around 200 cards destined for city folk struggling with loneliness, homelessness, or financial problems.
They wanted to spread a bit of festive cheer by holding the lunchtime craft session on December 5.
The cards will go to people at this year’s Norwich Open Christmas meal on Christmas Day, which is open to anyone and being held at The Halls in St Andrews Plain from 11am to 5pm.
Bill Ashton, chairman of Norwich Open Christmas, said: "I have asked the children to use their imaginations. We're delighted that the school is doing this for us.
"I’m certain it will bring a bit of joy and positivity. I’m looking forward to seeing the cards."
It's the 31st year the Norwich Open Christmas has hosted a Christmas Day gathering although the previous two years were different because of Covid restrictions.
This year, Mr Ashton expected more people to attend compared to the 550 who enjoyed the meal and entertainment in 2019.
He expected more people would come who were struggling financially and added around 700 cards will be written by school children for the attendees.
Julie Brociek-Coulton, Labour city and county councillor for the Sewell ward and governor for the primary school, helped initiate the link between Magdalen Gates and Norwich Open Christmas.
She said: "It shows the children they are helping and doing something to make someone happy at Christmas. It is lovely."
The event was organised mainly by assistant headteacher Chloe Demeuzois and was open to all of its students who are aged 3-11.
Headteacher Chris Hutchinson said: "What child doesn’t like making cards?
"We are going to make as many as we can to give the people who attend Norwich Open Christmas a nice gesture. It gets everyone into the festive spirit.
"We always try and do things to help our children understand that people experience life differently and that includes at Christmas. If we can bring some generosity and make someone’s day, that is great.
"Everything we do here is about teaching children compassion and societal values."
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