LEADING businesswomen in the area are making Christmas wishes come true for families.

The Connecting Women Inverclyde group has announced that its festive charity appeal is in aid of one of the area's best loved welfare charities, Children in Poverty Inverclyde.

Now the 200-strong membership are putting all their power into raising much needed cash for vulnerable kids.

Using their 'A Christmas To Remember' appeal they hope to offer hope for families struggling to get by, at the same time as encouraging people to shop local.

Connecting Women Inverclyde founder Julie Cullen said: "It has been a difficult year for everyone this year.

"We want to show our support for those who are struggling the most.

"This is a wonderful charity and we have such a supportive group who will do all they can."

Connecting Women Inverclyde was set up by personal coach and former IBM consultant Julie to give ladies the opportunity to support one another.

She said: "It has gone from strength to strength, there is so much talent out there."

In normal times Julie runs workshops to help support women with their own businesses.

She uses the Crafty Owl premises owned by Mairi Coventry, who is part of the network.

Now they will use their selling power to support Children In Poverty.

Using their online marketplace 'A Christmas To Remember', everyone who donates to the charity will be entered into a draw, with all the sellers donating a prize.

Julie said: "This is our way of giving back to our members as well."

At the same time CWI's Mairi has donated selection boxes and various craft Christmas stocking fillers to the charity.

To support their appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/connectingwomenininverclyde