Three charities that support young and old people got a bumper pre-Christmas boost from fundraising efforts by an international business.

The Foster Parent Association, the Eliza DoLittle Society, and Age Concern have all been given gifts of toys or food after staff at RenaissanceRe organised a gift drive.

Employees went on an early Christmas shopping spree to buy and wrap presents for youngsters and purchased non-perishable groceries to donate to food bank charity Eliza Dolittle.

The company also adopted 25 seniors living in care homes across the island to ensure that they enjoy a good festive season.

A spokeswoman for RenRe said: “For the special holiday activities, we wanted staff to have the opportunity to assist less fortunate families and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet.

“We hoped to make their Christmases brighter and less stressful by offering food and supplies to adults and Santa presents for children who might not receive any otherwise.”

Danielle Riviere, the interim executive director of the Eliza DoLittle Society, said the donation would give the charity some breathing space over the busy Christmas season.

The organisation provides essentials for more than 200 clients through its food bank in Warwick.

Ms Riviere said: “This donation means that we can keep supplies of non-perishables well-stocked.

“It’s great that our clients will be able to enjoy a festive meal with all the trimmings.

“RenRe have been awesome in supporting us, not only now, during the Christmas period, but throughout the year.

“Because of course it’s not just at this time of year that people are in need. It’s a great partnership that we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Lindsay Simmons, the president of the Foster Parent Association, said the donation meant all of the more than 70 children in foster care would have a gift on Christmas Day.

She added: “It means so much.”

“I have seen first-hand what this means to the children – their mouths drop wide-open.

“It just warms my heart that people can be so generous, particularly in these difficult times.”