Making a difference at Christmas: Part Two - Christmas Giving Campaign
Published on 18 January 2023 02:43 PM
Spreading happiness and kindness
Once again local businesses and the community have given their support and donated wonderful gifts for us to pass on to our service users. These gifts are more than just the item. They represent kindness and thoughtfulness. They acknowledge that some older people living in our neighbourhoods are alone and/ or lonely, that they may not have anyone to visit, talk to, or give them a gift and show they are thought of. There is a lot of value in each gift, beyond money. The reactions from our service users when we pass on the gifts are always heart-warming. There is surprise, amazement, disbelief, excitement and sometimes a few tears.
We can’t thank our donors enough for their kindness, especially this year when we know the rise in the cost of living has affected many. Gifts were varied and consisted of scarves, gloves, blankets, socks, biscuits, chocolates, puzzle books, toiletries and some lovely, very soft, hand knitted hats and blankets.
On behalf of our little delivery elves (known as our staff!) and service users Thank You.
A song for our service users
The children in years 3 and 4 of St Faiths School, Cambridge also sent us a lovely video of themselves, wearing their Christmas jumpers, singing a Christmas song to our service users. They do the sign language for ‘Happy Christmas’ at the end. We were able to show our service users the video on our mobile devices when making home visits and it certainly raised a few smiles and “How lovely” comments!
Thank You St Faiths School.
You can watch the video HERE https://youtu.be/k8y7j0KUBns
Our thanks to:
- Cambridge Healthcare Research - gifts, and volunteer time making cards with our service users at Cherry Trees Club, Cambridge.
- BGL Group Peterborough– gifts
- Compare the Market – gifts
- Barchester Healthcare – gifts
- Wisbech Round Table – hampers
- Lucy and Sheena Ambrose – gifts
- Histon and Impington, HIFriends – gifts and vouchers
- St Faith’s School – children’s video
- South Fens Business Centre – storage room free of charge enabling delivery and collection of gifts (our Santa’s Grotto!)
- SG Training Services / Sue Dewing - donating Christmas Dinner (prepared and delivered by caterers) for our staff and service users to enjoy at Oasis Day Centre, Wisbech
Some of the comments and feedback we received:
“Are you sure there’s no one more worthy? Thank you so much.”
“So, kind of you, thank you to the kind people who donated the gifts.”
“It's really warm. Please thank the lovely person who donated it.”
“That is so kind. I am very grateful.”
“It's all warm and snuggly.”
“This shows someone cares.”
“This means I can have something special for Christmas.”
“Thank you so much for thinking of me.”
“I am really happy with my blanket.”
“I would like to thank you and everyone for my Xmas present, which I’ve not opened yet and saving for ‘the day’!”
Photo’s of some of our service users receiving their gifts. More photos can be viewed in our Facebook Album HERE.
Get Involved!
WE WELCOME WORKING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTNER WITH US NEXT CHRISTMAS OR IN ANY OTHER WAY PLEASE CONTACT US, EMAIL: fundraising@ageukcap.org.uk
Get Involved
Can you support our work? Would you like to partner with us next Christmas?
Making a difference at Christmas: Part One
What work did we do over Christmas? Read how we supported older people during the holiday closure period.