A family initiative established in memory of a beloved grandmother has reached a remarkable milestone, distributing 500,000 Christmas presents to children in need.
Norah's North Pole, created to honour Norah Wilkinson, has transformed her simple philosophy into a major annual operation supporting thousands of families across the North East.
Mrs Wilkinson, who resided on Newcastle Road in Sunderland, passed away in 2015 at the age of 92.
Her guiding principle throughout life was straightforward: "It's nice to be nice."
The project bearing her name has now celebrated its 10th anniversary whilst packaging its 500,000th gift.
For more than 35 years before her death, Mrs Wilkinson had cultivated a cherished family custom centred on generosity towards disadvantaged youngsters.
She would regularly take her seven children and 14 grandchildren shopping in the lead-up to Christmas Day, providing each with £10 to purchase something meaningful for children who might otherwise receive nothing.
This tradition of thinking about others became deeply embedded in the family's values.
Norah's North Pole has transformed Mrs Wilkindon's simple philosophy into a major annual operation supporting thousands of families
|NORAH'S NORTH POLE
Her descendants have maintained this commitment with remarkable dedication, transforming what began as modest shopping trips into a substantial annual operation.
The family continues to work full-time jobs whilst running the initiative, determined to preserve their grandmother's legacy of kindness.
Victoria Imrie Bell, one of Mrs Wilkinson's grandchildren, expressed immense pride in what the family has accomplished.
She said: "Reaching our 10th anniversary and packing our 500,000th present is something we are incredibly proud of and we know our grandma, Norah, would be too."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The initiative collaborates with head teachers, social workers, refuges and local authorities to ensure presents reach children who need them most
|NORAH'S NORTH POLE
Ms Imrie Bell spoke of the emotional motivation driving the initiative forward each year.
She added: "The thought of a child waking up on Christmas morning with nothing, wondering why Santa visited their friends but not them, is simply heartbreaking.
"If Norah's North Pole can bring people together to create a little hub of happiness and send out kindness to these children, then together we are changing more than just Christmas morning. We are showing them that someone cares."
The initiative collaborates with head teachers, social workers, refuges and local authorities to ensure presents reach children who need them most.
Following collection, volunteers gather for an annual packing weekend, placing gifts into Santa sacks before distribution through a discreet schools network.
Ms Imrie Bell emphasised that Norah's North Pole should not be considered a charity.
She said: "It is simply a family, working full time alongside this mission, determined to honour their grandma's legacy and make sure as many children as possible feel the magic of Christmas."
The December 12 donation deadline has now passed, with the family hoping this year's efforts will exceed all previous records.