Christmas is a time for giving, and in this spirit, five Surrey charities have come together to encourage people in their communities to lend a helping hand and give back to those who are less fortunate this festive season.
We know Christmas to be a time of celebration. It's a time to be with the ones you love the most; it's a time to be selfless. But most of all, it's a time to give. The ‘Giving Local People a Christmas’ campaign aims to ensure everyone in Surrey feels the Christmas spirit this year. The campaign urges locals in the Surrey area to support the cause by donating money, food, clothes, and even gifts to the local people in need.
“As a group of like-minded charities, we’re so pleased to come together this year to show the true meaning of Christmas to the East Surrey community. We’re all very excited to launch this joint initiative, and I have a feeling that this year, we may just break our donations record! Our biggest wish is for all local families to feel the Christmas spirit, and we hope we can make this happen."
- Nina Porter, Chief Officer for Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead
Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, Loveworks, Renewed Hope Trust, Stripey Stork, and Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB) have all joined forces to help tackle the issue, and all work tirelessly all year-round to offer advice and support to those in need in order to tackle homelessness, food poverty, loneliness and isolation.
The Charities
1. Epsom & Ewell Foodbank
Part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, Epsom & Ewell Foodbank works to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
This Christmas, they are looking for cash and fresh food donations to help provide Christmas dinner for as many of their clients as possible.
2. Loveworks
Loveworks rallies community spirit to support projects for people in need. Projects take action to guard against food poverty, loneliness and isolation.
This Christmas they are looking to gather food and festive treats for Merstham and Reigate foodbanks and cash donations to purchase fresh food, vouchers and other essentials. They are also looking for volunteers to help them with their fundraising campaigns.
3. Renewed Hope Trust
Renewed Hope Trust charity exists to help the homeless and disadvantaged people in the East Surrey area.
Similar to the previously mentioned charities, this Christmas, they are collecting cash, food and warm clothes for homeless and disadvantaged people.
4. Stripey Stork
The Stripey Stork charity supports children and parents experiencing hardship. During Christmas, they create a campaign called Santa Stork, which aims to give a personal gift to as many local children in need as possible.
Why Be A Volunteer
5. Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB)
VARB provides advice and practical support to all the charities profiled above and helps to build connections with local businesses.
This Christmas, VARB will be welcoming local people who are facing Christmas alone or those who can’t afford a Christmas lunch to join their Community Christmas Lunch.
For more information about the campaign or charity and how you can get involved, please visit https://varb.org.uk/christmas. You can also use the hashtag #LetsGiveChristmas to let your community know how you’ve supported the campaign!
