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Charity gifts that really make a difference this Xmas

Photo credit: Unsplash
Photo credit: Unsplash

From Red Online

Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration and reflection, but this year, for many that nostalgic cheer may come as a challenge.

The pandemic has separated us from our loved ones, food banks have been working tirelessly to feed the nation, and more than 750,000 jobs have been lost, leaving families struggling financially.

It’s easy to feel powerless during these uncertain times, but there are still small ways to make a difference. They include buying charity gifts for the people you love, sending charity Christmas cards, making a donation to a cause you (or they) really care about or giving up your time to help those in need.

Here's our guide to charity gifts that will really make a difference this year.

CHARITY GIFTS: PIN YOUR THANKS

Photo credit: Pin Your Thanks
Photo credit: Pin Your Thanks


Show you care this Christmas by treating your loved ones(or yourself!) to a beautiful pin badge. The #PinYourThanks badges have been designed by celebrities, including Keira Knightley, Emeli Sandé and Anoushka Shankar, and make perfect stocking fillers. Profits from each purchase go toNHS Charities Together and Volunteering Matters. Visit pinyourthanks.org.

CHARITY GIFTS: HELP THE HOMELESS


Give a gift that has lifelong impact by signing up to the Beam website. This social enterprise lets you fund job training for a homeless person, and once you’ve sponsored them, you’ll receive regular updates to see how they’re getting on. To get involved, visit beam.org/gifts.

Or, if you’re feeling active, why not sign up to The Big Walk with Shelter on 10th December and do a sponsored three, five or 10k walk for a brilliant charity? Visit thebigwalk.shelter.org.uk.

CHARITY GIFTS: SUPPORT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE


During lockdown, calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rose significantly, as many victims were left trapped with their abusers. Consider a donation to life-changing charities, such as Refuge (refuge.org.uk), which is trying to end domestic violence against women and children.

You can also buy a Christmas present for women and children spending the festivities in a refuge, or pay for them to have Christmas lunch. Visit Refuge's website.

CHARITY GIFTS: FEED THE HUNGRY

FareShare is a brilliant charity that takes surplus food from businesses and turns it into new meals. Volunteers then distribute these to 11,000 frontline charities, including North Smethwick Development Trust and Evelyn Community Store. Alternatively, you can donate £5 to provide enough food for 20 Christmas meals. Visit fareshare.org.uk.

CHARITY GIFTS: BE THERE FOR THE BEREAVED


No one should have togo through grief alone, especially during these tough times. Cruse Bereavement Care supports 55,000 bereaved people a year via its national helpline and free support sessions across the country. Visit cruse.org.uk/donate to ensure that it can continue offering this support.

Or, why not purchase a Christmas gift, such as a candle or a food hamper, from Marie Curie shop.mariecurie.org.uk,which will use the profits to support those grieving throughout the pandemic.

CHARITY GIFTS: HELP TACKLE HYGIENE POVERTY

The 14m people living in poverty in the UK often have to choose between hygiene products or food. Not having access to these basics can damage people’s mental health and theirs elf-confidence. Buy a beauty bundle via Beauty Banks beautybanks.org.uk or The Hygiene Bank thehygienebank.com/donate – these products will then be distributed to people in need.

CHARITY GIFTS: BUY DECORATIONS WITH HEART

For those seeking asylum, Christmas can be a particularly lonely time. Spread good wishes by purchasing a Christmas decoration from RefugeeAction that’s been specially designed by one of the children the charity supports.

Write kind thoughts on it, then send it back and the charity will share it with someone who is seeking asylum. For yours, visit refugee-action.org.uk/christmaswishes.

CHARITY GIFTS: CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Look after the most vulnerable in your community by signing up to become an NHS responder. More than750,000 people have already signed up to the scheme since it launched back in March, but more help is still needed.

There are a variety of roles available – from helping to transport patients, food or medical equipment, to doing check-in and chat calls. To sign up, visit volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

CHARITY GIFTS: MINDFUL READING

Books have the power to transport and inspire, and the Samaritans Feel Good Book Club is the perfect tonic for those who need a boost this festive season. Every month, subscribers will be sent an uplifting book and treats to boost wellbeing, with all proceeds going to the charity. Visit thefeelgoodbookclub.com/subscribe.

CHARITY GIFTS: SPREAD THE WORD

Thousands of people have been left in financial difficulty due to the pandemic. Turn2us turn2us.org.uk offers grants to get people back on track. It handed out more than £3m during lockdown, but it needs exposure to keep doing this vital work. So, post on social media, tell your local food bank, or put up a poster to let people know what help is available.

CHARITY GIFTS: CARDS THAT CARE

With more than 60% of adults reporting that their mental health got worse during lockdown, charities such as Mind have never been more important.

Profits made from its beautiful Christmas cards will enable the charity to keep taking calls and offering advice to those who are struggling during this time. Visit shop.mind.org.uk/shop/cards.

CHARITY GIFTS: SPONSOR A SISTER

Women for Women International supports women survivors of war in eight conflict-affected countries, including Bosnia,Afghanistan and Rwanda.

During the pandemic, it has distributed more than 5,900 hygiene kits and 99,731 masks and bars of soap, broadcasted radio programmes that reached more than 1m people in remote and rural places, and continued to deliver cash assistance to 6,190 women. Support its work by sponsoring a sister for £22 a month. Visit womenforwomen.org.uk.

CHARITY GIFTS: SAY YOU’LL BE THERE

Donations and charity initiatives are one thing, but the simplest, most powerful way to give back this festive season is by being there for others. Whether it be family, friends or your neighbours, check in on people and let them know you’re there if and when they need help. It may seem like a small gesture, but the impact could be huge.

This feature is taken from the December issue of Red, on sale now.

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