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Bristol actor Gamba Cole helps launch £20,000 charity appeal
Gamba Cole has lent a hand to a charity that redistributes pre-loved baby essentials like clothes, cots and toys to families experiencing poverty or crisis in the Bristol area.
Best known for playing Ben Eastfield in BBC’s The Outlaws, the Bristol-born actor turned up at Baby Bank Network’s warehouse in Fishponds with a car full of nappies and toiletries.
He then joined the team packing bundles to be distributed to local mums and babies in need.
Gamba said he was inspired to help the charity on his birthday after reflecting on the challenges his mum faced when he was growing up.
Baby Bank Network is seeking to double its donations through the Big Give Christmas Challenge between December 2 and 9, aiming to raise £20,000, made up of donations and match funding.
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Gamba grew up in St Paul’s before moving to London to complete his education.
The actor said: “Growing up, I had no idea of the sacrifices my mum must have made to ensure we had everything we needed.
“I know it’s not always easy for families to ask for help, so it’s really important that organisations like Baby Bank Network exist so families can discreetly access the good quality items their children need.”
Gamba Cole has lent a hand to help launch the charity’s ambitious appeal
Becky Gilbert, CEO and co-founder of Baby Bank Network, thanked Gamba for his efforts and urged businesses and individuals around Bristol to follow suit.
She said: “Child poverty in the UK is increasing, and parents are being forced to make impossible choices about how to spend their limited income.
“Funds don’t always stretch to basic toiletries that many of us consider essential.
The charity is calling on workplaces, schools, community groups and nurseries to donate essential toiletries as part of the citywide Christmas drive.
Becky added: “With your support this Christmas, we can continue helping keep children under five safe and well, while easing the burden on their families.”
To find out more about Baby Bank Network’s appeal, visit www.babybanknetwork.com/christmas.
All photos: Baby Bank Network
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