Little Treasures Autism Charity has been left devastated after a major fire at Bishop Self Storage destroyed much of their specialist sensory equipment worth an estimated £15,000.
The charity, which was founded in Ferryhill, runs after school and weekend groups including popular sessions in Ferryhill, lost the majority of their equipment they owned in the blaze. Without urgent financial help, many of these vital groups now face closure.
This week, the Mayor of Ferryhill, Cllr Angus Ferguson, met with Ashleigh Craggs, of Little Treasures – her son attends one of the Ferryhill groups – at Ferryhill Town Hall to discuss the impact of the fire and the immediate challenges ahead.
Ashleigh explained the scale of the loss: “It’s tragic for the children. We’re going to struggle to provide suitable environments for the young people who rely on our groups. We urgently need donations to replace the specialist equipment lost in the fire so our children can continue receiving the support they need and enjoy. We will be grateful for any help from the wonderful people of Ferryhill and Chilton.”
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Cllr Ferguson has released £800 from the Mayor’s Charity account — funds normally distributed at the end of the mayoral term in May — to help Little Treasures begin rebuilding.
Cllr Ferguson said: “It was the right thing to do. But much more support is needed if we are to rebuild Little Treasures into the thriving charity it was only weeks ago. I’m heartened to see Ferryhill’s community groups and businesses already stepping forward with donations and fundraising events. Ferryhill looks after its own, and our community spirit remains second to none.”
Little Treasures now faces the enormous task of replacing everything from sensory equipment to communication aids — items essential for creating safe, supportive and enjoyable environments for autistic children.
Donations can be made via Ferryhill Town Council either by cash or cheque at Ferryhill Town Hall or bank transfers can be made to the Mayors Charity Account, please call 01740 652157 for details.
The charity has asked residents to give whatever they can, no matter how small, to help ensure that local autistic children do not lose the support, stability and joy these groups provide. Despite the losses, Ashleigh will still be able to run the Bouncy Castle session at Ferryhill’s Dean Bank Institute on the fourth Saturday of the month. The next session will also be the children’s Easter Party on Saturday 28th March.
Please look out for events in the future where you can support Little Treasures’ fantastic work. There are fundraisers going on at local pubs and community spaces across Ferryhill and especially Little Treasures’ celebration 10th birthday party at Ferryhill Sports and Education Centre on 29 August between 10am-3pm, where there will be raffle prizes and a tombola.
Little Treasures can also be contacted via their Facebook page to arrange physical collections and donations can be made on the go fund me https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-to-help-restore-what-was-lost
With the support of local community groups and Ferryhill Town Council the mayor is organising a Mega-Jumble sale at St Luke’s Church Hall, date TBA.
The mayor commented: “We need clothes, unwanted Christmas presents and gifts, ornaments and the usual items to be found at a jumble.”
Donations can be dropped at Ferryhill Town Hall during normal office hours of:
Monday to Thursday: 8.30am – 12noon & 1pm – 4.30pm
Friday: 8.30pm – 12noon & 1pm – 4pm
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
The 10th birthday party is 29th August not the 10th August
Little Treasures autism charity Corrected, thank you.