A private film set visit and lunch hosted by Natalie Dormer will be auctioned off to raise money for the NSPCC in an online event organised by Walpole, British luxury’s official trade body, which represents some of the UK’s top luxury brands.
Nineteen lots with a total value of over £25,000 are up for grabs in the 12 Days of Christmas event, which begins on Tuesday 1st December.
Natalie Dormer, who supports the NSPCC as an Ambassador for Childline, said: “Now more than ever before, it is vital that Childline can continue to be here for young people. I’ve seen first-hand what a shift is like for a Childline counsellor. Some of the calls that came in completely sideswiped me. It reinforced how important the NSPCC is for many young people and that’s why I do everything I can to support the charity.”
The NSPCC and Walpole are working together in a new partnership to help prevent child abuse and neglect. It is hoped thousands of pounds will be raised for the charity’s vital work.
Founded in 1992 as a not-for-profit organisation, Walpole counts more than 270 British luxury brands in its membership. Walpole’s support comes at a time when NSPCC staff and volunteers are working hard to continue to be there for children – as they have throughout the Coronavirus crisis, which is now threatening to make Christmas even tougher for those suffering abuse.
Through the pandemic, many children have been the hidden victims - suffering abuse and neglect at home, increased risk online, or further pressures on their mental health.
Since lockdown measures were first enforced in March, Childline has carried out more than 40,000 counselling sessions with children about their mental health.
Helen Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Walpole, said: “The combination of getting a winning bid on one of these beautiful auction lots from the cream of British luxury and knowing it will raise vital funds for the NSPCC is full of Christmas cheer - I’m hoping we can knock Natalie Dormer’s socks off with how much we can raise!
“Please everyone bid as much as you can for these beautiful British luxury auction lots. This unique British luxury Christmas Auction will help the NSPCC support vulnerable children this Christmas - I’m hugely grateful to the Walpole members who have donated to the auction and to Natalie.”
Michael McGrath, NSPCC Head of Partnerships, said: “We are so grateful to Natalie for her amazing support and to all the Walpole brands who have donated such incredible prizes.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for children suffering abuse, neglect and poor mental health, and the impact of the Coronavirus looks likely to put even more children at risk this year. For thousands of children, being stuck at home for the holidays is a terrifying thought – and they urgently need their voices to be heard.
“The money raised in this auction will help us to continue to be here for children.”
A range of prestigious and high-value prizes are on offer from top luxury brands including Burberry, Belmond, Harrods, Clive Christian, Fortnum & Mason, Turnbull & Asser and many more. Highlights include a bespoke room design by luxury interior design studio Oliver Burns worth up to £15,000, a limited-edition platinum and diamond ring from Stephen Einhorn, and four bespoke shirts from Turnbull & Asser, worth £1,200.
