One Box, One Big Smile: CAFT’s Selection Box Appeal Is Back

Festive cheer was certainly in the air this morning as Helen Crowther from CAFT — the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust joined us for a catch-up and to officially launch this year’s Christmas Selection Box Appeal.

Yes, it really is that time of year already! And what a wonderful year it has been for CAFT, with comedian Jason Manford named as the charity’s new president, following his long association with the organisation as a patron since 2009.

A year of magic

Thousands of children have headed through the farm gates this year for days filled with fresh air, fun, friendship and a much-needed escape from the challenges they face every day. CAFT provides free day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives are affected by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability or social disadvantage.

And it has not just been the children enjoying themselves. All the animals are doing brilliantly too — including Truffle the pig, who has been on a bit of a health kick this year and is very proud of her impressive weight loss! She has now moved into her winter field, and the change of scenery seems to have gone down rather well.

Exciting changes ahead

Behind the scenes, there has been plenty of hard work too, with a series of high-profile fundraising events helping to provide vital funds for the charity. CAFT’s supporters, volunteers and partners continue to play a huge part in keeping its work going.

The latest exciting news is that CAFT has just begun a major refurbishment of its adventure playground — the first major update in 20 years. The playground is currently closed while the transformation takes place, but the plans promise something very special when it reopens next spring.

It will be much more than a playground: a bright, welcoming space designed to bring even more laughter, adventure and magical memories to the children who visit.

Christmas is coming

But before all of that, Christmas is on the way — and it is one of the busiest and most magical times of the year at CAFT.

To make sure every child visiting this festive season receives a small gift, we are once again asking for your help with donations of chocolate selection boxes.

We know times are tough for many people at the moment. But if you can afford to pop just one extra selection box into your trolley while doing your shopping, it could put a huge smile on a small person’s face this Christmas.

One box really is enough.

The official launch

So here it is: the official launch of the 2026 Selection Box Appeal!

You have never let us down. Over the past four years, your incredible generosity has seen hundreds of selection boxes donated to the appeal — and we are keeping our fingers crossed that, together, we can do it all again this year.

Selection boxes can be dropped off at our studio in the centre of Lymm until Dickensian Day on Saturday 12 December.

Every single box will help bring a little extra Christmas magic to a child who truly deserves it. Thank you, as always, for your amazing support.