23 January 2023
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, and 2022 saw the return of our 12 Days of Christmas campaign. We were thrilled to receive over 140 nominations from our residents and colleagues for this year’s campaign. With over 43 different charities nominated it was never going to be easy to select 12, as all are so well deserving. We are delighted to support 12 new charities and groups, with a local and meaningful connection to our communities, and close to the hearts of our residents. We look forward to hearing about their work and how we can support further in the future.
We kicked off the campaign in Scotland, the home of our business, and charity Smart Works Scotland. We are delighted to be able to support the work they do helping women with the many aspects involved in gaining employment. Rachel Shields, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager contacted us to say:
“Lovely to hear from you and thanks for sharing this wonderful news. We are delighted to have been nominated for your generous support this Christmas. Your donation couldn’t come at a better time, as Smart Works aim to double the number of women we help UK wide, over the next 3 years. Thanks to the online service we launched in lockdown and the new centre we recently opened in Glasgow; we can significantly increase the number of women we help across Scotland next year.
“We really value your support, which will help fund our vital service to equip women in need with the clothes, coaching and confidence to secure employment, gain financial stability and change the trajectory of their lives.”
With bases in London, Manchester and Scotland, we are excited about building our partnership, and joining in their 2023 countrywide fundraising event, a March cycle challenge.
Donations for Days 2 and 3 went to Two Brews, Manchester supporting their work with the homeless, and Heeley Farm in Sheffield, a certified rare breeds centre.
Coping with loss is never easy, and Christmas can be a very hard time for the bereaved. The Bereavement Café in Bolton, were very pleased to receive the Day 4 donation. It was great to get an email from Jane saying “Wow! Thank you so much! This is fantastic news and really very much appreciated – and needed!”
Alzheimer’s Research UK received Day 5, and Octavia commented “We’re delighted that you have raised funds for ground-breaking dementia research. That is such a kind and generous thing to do.” Jade Snedeker, their Corporate Partnerships Officer added, “WOW! That is amazing news, I know the team will be so grateful.”
We believe that supporting young people is very important. Growing up, leaving school and taking steps into the world of work and independent life is daunting. Into University, in Salford, provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve. They were delighted to receive the donation for Day 6 “Thank you so much for this, our team at the IntoUniversity Salford Central centre are super grateful and this donation will really help our young people.” Donny Kirkwood, Lead Senior Education Worker.
Cold Hands Warm Hearts, delivers help and support to those who need it the most, in and around Middleton. We hope that our Day 7 donation is a welcome gift. Day 8 saw Donnington Friends of Severn Hospice enjoy a Christmas surprise, to support the marvellous work they do giving specialist care and support free of charge to families across Shropshire and North Powys who are living with an incurable illness.
Volunteers are an invaluable resource to many charities and we are so thankful for the work they do across our communities. Salford Survivors Project, a volunteer run charity helping and supporting anyone suffering or affected by domestic or family abuse, were thankful of our gift on Day 9.
Day 10 saw Springwood Primary School, in Swinton receive our donation to support the specialist education they provide for pupils aged 2-11 in the area.
Who does not enjoy a little dance over the festive season so on Day 11 we were delighted to surprise Barking & Dagenham Youth Dance with a Christmas gift. Georgina Alexiou was thrilled “Thank you, what a surprise and what great news to receive. I will keep you updated on all of our events and will send links for video footage too. Thank you for your support and acknowledgment.”
With Christmas being a very special time for family and children, it felt right to support Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy on Day 12, a charity supporting families who have lost a baby. Sarah from Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy simply wrote:
“I have no words on this amazing generosity from yourselves. This will go so far in the work we do to support parents when their baby or child has heartbreakingly passed away. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Wishing everyone a very happy 2023 and looking forward to supporting our current charity partners and making new connections in the year ahead. Thank you all for your amazing work.
