A 21-year-old Hexham business owner is appealing for support to ensure children and families in need receive presents this Christmas.
George Brady, who runs GB Personals in Hexham, launched a fundraising campaign for the Salvation Army’s Be a Star appeal. The campaign is aimed at buying gifts for children aged 10 to 16 across the North East.
Brady originally set a fundraising target of £800. After reaching roughly that amount in less than four days, he now hopes to raise £5,000 by December 10. The earlier deadline is intended to give the Salvation Army time to distribute gifts to families before Christmas.
How the Hexham fundraiser began
Brady said the campaign grew from his own experience of the busy Christmas shopping period. GB Personals helps customers find clothing and shoes, and he wanted to use his business and online community to raise awareness of children and families who may need additional help.
He first shared a video on TikTok and Instagram about raising money for Christmas presents. That led to contact with the Salvation Army and, after discussions with a representative, Brady said he was pleased to support its Be a Star appeal.
He described GB Personals as a private shopping boutique offering products ranging from Nike and Adidas to Dior. He also said he had built a community of more than 20,000 followers across social media during the past four years.
Gifts, donations and how to help
Money raised so far will be used to buy new presents, including toiletry sets, craft kits and gift vouchers. Donations have been made through GoFundMe, while members of Brady’s community have also contributed gifts.
Brady said he hoped the campaign would encourage other businesses to support their communities during the festive season. Anyone wishing to contribute can visit the fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/f/gb-personals-christmas-present-donations.
“In less than four days from launching the appeal, we have raised roughly £800 worth of donations via GoFundMe and also members from my community donating gifts.”
He thanked everyone who had donated, shared the GoFundMe page or helped spread awareness of the appeal.