York car retailer brings Christmas cheer to children in Romania and Ukraine
A car retailer in York has helped to spread Christmas cheer far beyond its local community this festive season.
Ray Chapman Motors York – Volvo Cars, on Whiterose Close, has been supporting Cry in the Dark, a UK children’s charity that provides life-changing care to vulnerable young people in Romania and Ukraine.
In the run-up to Christmas, the car showroom has served as a community collection hub, inviting customers and residents to drop off shoebox gifts packed with toys, toiletries and winter essentials for children.
A grand total of 50 shoeboxes were generously donated by the local community – with one supporter travelling from Newcastle to support the cause.
As part of the appeal, Ray Chapman team member, Dawn Parker, will join the charity on a special trip to Romania and Ukraine to hand-deliver the shoeboxes. Dawn’s Christmas journey will see her visit Casa Lumina, the charity’s residential home for young people with special needs, before helping to distribute gifts to around 200 children, many of whom have lost parents in the war.
Commenting on the initiative, Dawn said: “It’s an honour to be part of this journey and representing Ray Chapman Motors. Seeing how much these shoeboxes mean to the children is incredibly humbling.”
Duncan Chapman, managing director at Ray Chapman Motors, added: “Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so proud to support Cry in the Dark’s wonderful work. The response from the people of York has been incredible, and our showroom has become a real hub of generosity.
“Dawn has been a true advocate for Ray Chapman Motors, and we’re equally proud of her for travelling overseas with the charity. Her compassion reflects everything we aspire to be when it comes to being a people-first business, as well as our commitment to supporting causes that matter to our customers and team.”
To learn more about Ray Chapman Motors York and its initiatives, visit www.raychapmanmotors.co.uk or call 01904 789789.
Those who would like to support Cry in the Dark’s work can donate via https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/cry-in-the-dark-ukrainian-christmas-appeal-2026?dm_i=2EQZ,21478,35UX88,7C32Z,1