Christmas Toy Appeal: Comedians launch plea for donations

Ricky Grover and Quincy The Comedian launched this year's renamed appeal at the headquarters of charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) at the Terence Brown Arc In the Park in Canning Town.

The Canning Town-born pair understand how vital the campaign - now in its 44th year – is to children who would otherwise go without.

Ricky and Quincy, who are both established actors and writers, were joined by two of AAA's Santa’s Helpers team to show off some gifts the campaign received on the eve of the launch.

The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal aims to help as many young people as possible. (Image: AAA)

The 2021 appeal is being run by AAA in partnership with the Newham Recorder and Community Links, and is as important now as when it was first set up. Last year, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it helped more children and their families than ever before.

Ricky, who is also a patron of AAA, said: “Since the tragic death of the appeal’s founder earlier this year, it is vital we all pull together to ensure this year's campaign is a success. I know staff and volunteers will be working flat out but we need the public in Newham to step up and give what they can.”

Quincy added: “Any new toy or donation will help the appeal reach its target. Please give whatever you can.”

Away from their stand-up shows, both friends are very busy. Ricky has been filming the new Ricky Gervais series of After Life and his Raging Bulla project, part of which is Bulla TV.

Quincy, meanwhile has his own show on Supreme FM and shares comedy shows on YouTube.

Ricky urged readers to donate and help this year's appeal support as many young people as possible, saying: “I believe in all the work that AAA does and its lasting effects on young people. The toy appeal has been so important for so many years. Let’s do this people!”