THE owner of a Worcester-based cleaning business has launched an appeal to brighten up the festive season for local youngsters living in care homes.

Portuguese-born Gabriel Pereira, came to the city to study a degree in Human Nutrition at the University of Worcester but set up his own business FINECLEAN when he discovered students needed help with keeping their accommodation clean.

He wants to raise £1,000 before Christmas to spend on toys for children living in the Worcestershire County Council care system homes. The campaign is called Make Their Christmas Special.

He said: “There are two things that are close to my heart, homeless people and children in care. There are 11 residential care homes for children in Worcestershire – some of the children are short stay, some have special needs and some are long stay. And they are aged eight to 18. The homes can take up to 43 children at any one time.

“The issue of children in care is close to my heart because when I was in Portugal my mum used to foster kids. She used to do short stay for kids. I grew up around kids who were in the care system.

“My campaign, called Making Their Christmas Special is a small act to show we care.”

He has joined forces with local independent toy shop Toys and Games, of Broad Street, Worcester; the David Lloyd fitness club at Sixways, Worcester; SRC Accountancy services; The Brick Room, New Street, Worcester; and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to set up the appeal.

Charity collection boxes are now in place at David Lloyd, The Brick Room and Toys and Games. People can also contribute donations via the crowdfunding page https://www.gofundme.com/make-their-christmas-special

Gabriel also wants to raise awareness about homeless people in Worcester. He says he sometimes walks around the city and gives blankets and food to homeless people. “It is part of the city and part of Worcester and we should get involved. I just say hello and give them food and blankets.”

The added that all FINECLEAN staff are encouraged to engage with the local community through charity and volunteering.