Celebrating 10 years of VFTS

We are proud to say that Visit from the Stork is turning 10 this March. From our small beginnings as the UK’s only magazine for young parents under 25, we have grown into an organisation working in the heart of communities across Greater Manchester, helping families through tough times and connecting them together through our network and social events.

Since 2014, we’ve helped more than 5,000 individual families to thrive and build their support network around them.

We’d like to thank all of the supporters, funders, partners, volunteers and staff who have helped us on the way to this milestone and the parents who have trusted us to help and support them through some of the hardest times in their lives.

Watch our celebratory film

What is the 10 for 10 campaign?

As we move forward in our 10th birthday year, we are always conscious that things are not getting better for families. 1 in 3 children in Greater Manchester (and other places across the country) live in poverty; their parents suffering from low income, unstable accommodation, a benefits system not suitable for the thousands of families who need extra support. We have developed our first ever fundraising campaign; 10 for 10 to raise £10,000 of unrestricted income over the next 12 months to help more families and go further with our support.

We are asking people to make a donation of £10 or more, do a collection of 10 or more essential items for our families, or join Team Stork at one of our fundraising events we will be hosting throughout the year.

Some of the events we've got planned are a 5km family walk, a pizza party, a family fun day and Bake Off, a disco and more. See our website for more details.

If you've reached this page there's a good chance you've chosen to do one of your own fundraising challenges such as being part of Team Stork through our Run for Charity spaces, or walking, cycling, swimming or hosting your own event; if this is you - thank you!

What we're raising money for

Unrestricted income let's us decide how best the money is spent; whether that's buying essentials for clients such as nappies & wipes, or having a fund to help parents in emergency situations such as fleeing DV or paying for specialist, professional help for breastfeeding, housing or immigration- we want to go above and beyond what we can - and do - offer already.

We know there are pockets of clients who we've identified as needing our help more often than others and we need funds to continue keeping our door open to these families. We are the support network for parents who have noone else; we pride ourselves in being a non time-limited service.

We are determined to raise money for these families so we can provide enhanced practical and emotional support where it’s needed

Below are some of the reasons members of Team Stork are raising money; have a read and choose to donate or get involved with any of them - or fundraise for your own reasons.

Join Team Stork

We’re fundraising with exercise challenges across 2024 & 2025 and asking you to support us.

Challenges our staff are doing;

Swimming 10 miles – Kerry & Claire

Running 10km – Kim

Running 10 charity runs including the Manchester Half Marathon – Adam

Completing 5km obstacle course – Kathryn

Walking 10,000 steps everyday in May – Kieran

Sponsor us to do these challenges on our JustGiving pages. Follow the button below to donate to our main campaign page for the whole team.

Create your own fundraiser

Why not fundraise for Team Stork through taking part in your own exercise challenge or office fundraiser? You could Swim, do an obstacle race, cycling ride or even a marathon in aid of Visit from the Stork! We can support you every step of the way with fundraising materials and lots of encouragement.

Fundraising with your colleagues is another great way to support our cause. From sponsored treks to your own bake-off or simply having a collection tin in your office or Reception desk – the list is endless.