Charity hits milestone with 3,000 Baby Boxes

A CHILD born during the festive season has become the 3,000th in the region to receive a Baby Box.

- EMILY GRAY

> Mayor Kim McGuinness with members of the Stiller and the Children's Foundation team

North East charity The Children's Foundation is celebrating boosting the start in life for 3,000 babies this Christmas, with first-day essentials, information and support in the form of a Baby Box.

A third of children in the North East live in poverty and these boxes are designed to level the playing field for all youngsters. Baby Boxes include developmentally rich toys, early learning materials, baby essentials and expert guidance to first-time parents.

The scheme has been backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. Since she came into office, she has expanded the initiative to benefit more families across the region and is becoming a cornerstone of her strategy to tackle child poverty.