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A charitable Sikh foundation have had an amazing response to their nationwide Christmas appeal, which set out to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Wahegru Foundation, a global Sikh foundation ran their third annual book and toy drive which set out to raise a collection of new books, toys and gifts over the Christmas period.

The charity, which had collection points in Coventry collected books and toys all destined to go to the Children's Society and NHS Children's Wards.

The nationwide campaign, in memory of the four princes and and mother of the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is underway to support The Children's Society and NHS Children's wards.

There were two collection points in Coventry from October until early December.

Amazing response

The nationwide drive began on October 14 of this year and ran up until December 13. After eight weeks of collective efforts by the Wahegru Foundation team along with their sponsors, collaborators and donors, 2,050 gifts with a total value of £18,676.88 were raised for The Children's Society and NHS Children's Wards.

Mark Russell, the Chief Executive of The Children’s Society commented: "We want to say a colossal thank you for your generosity and your kindness! When you’re working with young people who are having a tough time, to know that there are others who choose to stand beside you, support you, love what you’re doing and don’t just say it but also back it up, means more than any of us can say."

Although this is a nationwide campaign, local children in Coventry and Warwickshire will benefit from the donations.

(Image: The Wahegru Foundation)

Do Sikhs celebrate Christmas?

Generally speaking, Sikhs do no celebrate the religious meaning behind Christmas but take part in the festivities through charitable endeavours, and spending time with family.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "For many, the month of December is a time of Christmas and giving. For Sikhs, the month of December is a time of remembrance and reflection, as we remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors who fought to defend the weak, the homeless and the hungry from oppression and tyranny during the times of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

"As such, for us at the Wahegru Foundation, the idea for the Book & Toy Drive was simply a case of combining the two cultures and using a time of giving and remembrance to do something for those who are less fortunate than ourselves."

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