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Christmas shoebox campaigner from Deal launches 8th appeal to help homeless days after welcoming twin daughters

12:01, 20 October 2021

updated: 12:02, 20 October 2021

A Christmas shoebox campaigner is launching her eighth annual appeal to help the homeless - despite having just given birth to twins.

Jaymie Dunster from Deal is only eight days in to life as a twin mum.

Jaymie Dunster collects the boxes in aid of the Catching Lives shelter in Canterbury
Jaymie Dunster collects the boxes in aid of the Catching Lives shelter in Canterbury

But despite her new found duties which include daily visits to see daughters Remee and Ezmee in hospital, the fundraiser is still keen to launch her Give a Little Love appeal.

Her pledge aims to bring joy to those spending the festive season on the streets.

She is asking the community to fill shoeboxes with useful items such as toiletries, gloves, socks, snacks, and dog treats and deliver them to one of her drop off points in the town.

These will then be personally delivered by Miss Dunster and her eight-year-old son Hugo to the Catching Lives homeless shelter in Canterbury in the week before Christmas.

She said: "I really want the appeal to still go ahead.

Shoebox campaigner Jaymie Dunster with her newborn twin daughter Remee
Shoebox campaigner Jaymie Dunster with her newborn twin daughter Remee

"Remee and Ezmee were born at 34 weeks and remain in neonatal intensive care unit but each day they are doing better.

"We didn't get the chance to do the boxes last year because of Covid so I'd really love to make sure we pull it off this year."

Instead of boxes, last Christmas Miss Dunster collected £240 in donations via a GoFundMe page which was donated to the homeless shelter.

She added: "There are always people in need but after the last 18 months, I’m sure there are a lot more people struggling.

"This is a nice way to help others less fortunate. The boxes are always so gratefully received."

Jaymie Dunster's daughters Ezmee (pictured) and Remee were born prematurely and remain in intensive care, but she is still keen to launch her annual appeal
Jaymie Dunster's daughters Ezmee (pictured) and Remee were born prematurely and remain in intensive care, but she is still keen to launch her annual appeal

Ms Dunster has secured two drop off points.

They are United Families UK office above Payden's pharmacy in Queen Street and Lucy’s Nail Bar in Mill Hill, Deal.

The deadline for handing in boxes is Saturday, December 20.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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