A FAMILY support charity is hosting a fundraising event as part of an appeal to help children facing hardship.

The Snowflake Appeal, organised by Home-Start Ryedale, in Norton, is organising a coffee morning to support families in the area who are struggling to cope.

Jo Oliver, Senior Co-ordinator with the charity said: "Our coffee morning is set to be a fun event with tea, coffee, and home-baking - with a Snowflake theme, of course - tombola, toy and jewellery stalls plus more.

"We hope members of the community will come along to meet friends over a cuppa whilst helping us raise funds for our appeal. All funds raised by our local Snowflake Appeal will go to help local children and families in the Ryedale area.”

The Norton based charity, which supports families with young children who maybe be experiencing difficulties and in need of some support and friendship, is also looking to recruit new home-visiting volunteers, across Ryedale.

Jo said: “People who are looking for a new challenge for the New Year and would like to help local families for a couple of hours a week should consider joining Home-Start Ryedale in this role.

"We will be starting a new Volunteer Preparation Course at the beginning of March, so would encourage anyone interested to get in touch as soon as possible to be considered.”

Jo said that the charity also needed people with a flair for fundraising to join the “Friends of Home-Start”, a group of people who enjoy organising fun events and activities such as coffee mornings and raffles aimed at raising awareness of the work of the charity as well as much needed funds.

" It’s a great way to get out of the house and do something positive whilst enjoying yourself," she added.

Jo said that anyone who was interested in getting involved was welcome to come to the coffee morning.

"It will be a great opportunity for anyone to come along and learn more about the volunteering opportunities available plus a chance to meet some of our staff, trustees and volunteers in a fun, relaxed atmosphere," she added.

The coffee morning will be held at Norton Trinity Methodist Church, on Thursday, January 29 from 10am to 11.30am.

For more information about Home-Start Ryedale or to make a donation to the Snowflake Appeal contact Jo or Ruth, Home-Start Ryedale, 43 Parliament Street, Norton, phone 01653 693551, or email HSRyedale@googlemail.com