As the Christmas countdown continues, we round up some great local charitable initiatives to get behind during the season of goodwill
Words by Alex Fice
The Grafton Centre Giving Tree
When you’re out Christmas shopping, why not pick up an extra present and donate it to the Grafton Centre Giving Tree? All gifts will be distributed to children in the local community, ensuring that they have a present to open on Christmas Day, when they might otherwise go empty-handed. Just grab a tag near the Grafton’s Christmas tree, which will tell you the child’s age, and then leave your gift in the donation box.
CHS Group Shoe Box Appeal
CHS Group supports vulnerable people in the local area, including young women with mental health needs, parents and their children, and people with learning disabilities. By donating a shoe box filled with gifts such as toiletries, food and stationery, you will help to spread some joy to people living through challenging circumstances, making them feel like a valued member of the community. Alternatively, donations towards the appeal also will be gratefully received.
Rosie Rudolph Run
Spread some festive cheer in your local area with the Rosie Rudolph Run 2021! Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is encouraging everyone to dress up in their favourite Christmas outfits and take to the streets for a short fun run – raising some money in the process! Over the weekend of 4-5 December, participants are invited to walk or run a 3km route of their choice in festive attire. Prizes will be awarded for best fancy dress and best-decorated pram – send your photos to [email protected] by Sunday 12 December. All the money raised will go to Addenbrooke’s Rosie Hospital.
Spread some festive cheer in your area
Cambridge Artist’s Collaboration with Scope’s Online Charity Shop
The disability equality charity Scope has launched it’s first online shop – just in time for Christmas – which showcases products championing messages of empowerment and diversity. Scope has curated its Artist Collection in collaboration with five disabled creatives, one of whom is Cambridge local Abi Stevens. Their illustrations combine historical art forms – such as coats of arms and stained-glass windows – with a modern, digital style. Find posters, water bottles and more featuring Abi’s designs at the Scope website.
Cambridge City Foodbank Hamper Appeal
For many, the Christmas holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to share food, drink and laughter in abundance. Unfortunately, for a great many Cambridgeshire residents this isn’t always possible. Cambridge City Foodbank is encouraging those who are able to make a real, positive difference, by putting together a Christmas hamper full of goodies – from yule logs, biscuits, tinned ham and nuts, to shampoo and soap. Simply register online and drop off your hamper at the foodbank’s local warehouse in early December. More information can be found online.
Arthur Rank Christmas Tree Recycling
No one enjoys taking down the decorations at the end of the festive period, and least appealing of all the post-Christmas chores is getting rid of the tree. If the thought of pine needles in the car and queuing at the tip makes you feel blue, we recommend the Arthur Rank Christmas Tree recycling initiative! Register now to arrange for your Christmas tree to be collected by the charity’s enthusiastic volunteers at the start of the New Year. Donations are encouraged and will help ARHC to support people in Cambridgeshire living with serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions.
To keep in the loop with more ideas for the holidays, make sure to sign up to the Cambridge Edit!
