Generous staff from a Thanet business donated more than 100 parcels to brighten Christmas for children and mums at a refuge.

Workers from Boys and Maughan Solicitors’ offices in Margate, Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate bought, collected and wrapped the gifts for those being helped by Thanet’s Oasis Domestic Abuse Service.

Oasis fundraising assistant Hazel Eddy said: “When women flee domestic abuse with their children to our refuge it is one of the hardest things they can do, because it often means leaving everything and everyone they know behind. At Oasis we make every effort to support these women and children through what can be an upsetting time.

“Everyone at Oasis is so pleased with the generosity of the Thanet community this Christmas. I would personally like to thank Boys and Maughan for organising such a great collection of gifts, and thank all those that contributed. It is truly heart warming that so many local people and businesses are supporting the victims of domestic abuse that Oasis Domestic Abuse Service help.

“The presents that are given to Oasis will enable us to give those in our safe house a great Christmas that we hope will create happy memories for our women and children to look back on in the years to come.”

Jonathan da Costa, family law partner at Boys and Maughan said: “Oasis provides a vital service and we hope the gifts will give the mums and children who are living at the refuge this Christmas a real lift. Through our work with the charity we see first hand the steps it takes to make people safe and show them that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Colleagues, families, friends and local business contacts have really embraced the idea of gathering all the presents. We are all truly inspired by the Oasis team and support they give.”

For more on domestic violence support services in Kent visit www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk or call the helpline: 07926 842183.