PEOPLE in Bradford are again being urged to buy and donate an extra Easter egg to help put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged children across the district this year.

Members of the Bradford Junior Chamber International (JCI) ran a pilot Easter Egg Appeal in 2014, with a target of collecting 1,000 to be distributed to local youngsters.

The group ended up receiving 1,070 eggs from schools and businesses who embraced the appeal and its members then smashed that figure by collecting more than 2,300 eggs in both 2015 and last year.

This year, the organisation has set itself a target of collecting more than 2,500 eggs within three weeks.

Michelle Pemberton, community director at JCI Bradford, said: “The Easter egg appeal started in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength thanks to the amazing support of businesses and individuals around the Bradford district. It’s a very worthwhile project bringing a little happiness to families and children at Easter.”

The eggs will be collected up until Friday, March 31, after which they will be distributed to children across the district nominated by social services and local charities.

Local schools are always a regular support of the project, and Bankfoot Primary School, Blakehill Primary School, Thackley Primary School, and Bradford Grammar School are among those already involved this year.

“It has meant that we can raise awareness of our local community’s needs with children and young people and their eagerness to help demonstrates their desire to support and be engaged with their local community,” said Miss Pemberton.

“This community project enables JCI Bradford members to get involved and develop a host of personal development skills, from leading volunteers and project planning, to communication and logistics.

“While our members benefit from the personal development opportunities, it is ultimately our community that benefits from the delivery of an amazing appeal aimed at the most vulnerable in our society.”

JCI Bradford has also received offers of help from a number of Bradford-based firms including Schofield Sweeney, EVC Ventilation, Cygnet Health, and UKAR, plus individual offers of help via Facebook.

The format for the appeal is similar to the group’s award-winning annual Secret Santa initiative, which has been running for nearly 30 years and has raised the equivalent of more than £300,000 over the past decade alone.

Any organisations wishing to organise a mini-appeal in their workplace should contact community@jcibradford.org.uk.