22 December 2015
Helping those less fortunate this Christmas – Spreading the Community Spirit
Christmas is all about getting together and giving, and here at Foresters Friendly Society we’re doing just that. Find out how you too can make a difference to someone’s Christmas this year…
Community Involvement at Christmas
Foresters Friendly Society is founded on mutuality, which means we look after our members. For over 180 years we have been supporting local communities, and we’re still working in the same way today. In addition to the many charities supported by our local groups, as a Society we’re proud to be supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading research charity aiming to defeat dementia, as our annual charity for 2015/16.
Throughout the past few months, Foresters members up and down the country have been taking part in a whole host of activities to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Fundraising events have ranged from hikes to balls and dinners, and in the festive period local Foresters groups are also selling a range of calendars, cards, treats and jewellery to help raise even more cash.
Christmas is the perfect time to get the whole family involved in helping others, and what better way to while away the winter evenings than some charity caroling or a cake sale? Here are some of the many ways you can get involved and make a difference this Christmas:
Food for thought
In 2014, 60,000 people, a third of whom were children, were fed by Christmas food banks. There are around 420 foodbanks helping communities up and down the country. You can help by donating non-perishable items at your local supermarket drop off points. Find your local foodbank online with the Trussell Trust.
Home from home
It is estimated that around 100,000 children will be homeless this Christmas but, fortunately, there are dedicated charities that help support the homeless during the festive period. Why not show your support by donating, fundraising with a raffle or bake sale or even volunteering at a local soup kitchen? Visit the Shelter website to find out more.
A friend in need
Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for those without family or friends. The elderly particularly need our support, not just to stave off loneliness, but also to make sure that they are safe and well as temperatures drop. Check in on your neighbours and those known to you in your local area, or get involved with one of the many befriending campaigns across the country. Give your time to the elderly through Age UK’s #ManOnTheMoon campaign.
Because a dog is not just for Christmas
Christmas is also a busy time for pet rescue centres. With families feeling the strain of Christmas budgeting, and many pets bought as impulse gifts, cases of abandonment can be higher at Christmas. Donate to your local pet shelter or bring the festive cheer by taking along a bag of animal safe treats and toys. Visit the RSPCA website for gift ideas and more.
Giving a gift with a difference
If you’re holding a Christmas get together this year, you could consider asking your guests to give a little to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Instead of the standard Secret Santa where everyone buys a gift for one other person, simply hand out fundraising envelopes and your guests can give discreetly with as little or as much as they like. Find out more and request gift envelopes here.
It’s easy to see that making what is often a simple gesture this festive season could really make a difference to someone’s Christmas.
Find out more about our work with Alzheimer’s UK here.