Christmas has always been a time for giving and after all the world has experienced these past 12 months, philanthropy has seldom been more welcome than in the closing weeks of 2022.  Last week, all parents and pupils received a letter from our Headmaster, Mr Lehec, outlining the numerous ways we can help the local community this Christmas.  This has been used as inspiration to highlight some further ideas to tempt you to give generously this festive season.

 

The Trussell Trust is a nationwide charity which supports a network of 1,200 food bank centres across the UK to provide emergency support to people as they work towards a future where everyone has enough food. Foodbanks are facing a difficult winter as the cost of living increases have led to an increase in demand (up 50% in some areas) and a reduction in donations.  You can help by donating food, volunteering, or making a financial gift to this vital charity.  Whilst the centres mentioned below are local to the Kingston area, the Trussell Trust website can be used to find a foodbank near you.  It will also detail the food and other household items in particular short supply in your area.

 

https://www.trusselltrust.org/

 

The gift of donations: Kingston Food Bank is currently in urgent need of tinned meats and vegetables, long life milk, coffee, rice, pasta sauce, squash, toilet paper, household cleaning products and many toiletries.  They do however have a good supply of pasta, cereals, pulses, soup, and tea.

 

The gift of time: Most food banks are looking for volunteers at this time of year to help with sorting and packing the donations received.  The Tolworth Recreation Centre would love some volunteers to support their Christmas Hamper initiative, providing goodies for Christmas lunch for local families to enjoy.  Volunteers over the age of 12 can support on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th December.

 

 

Raise some money for the NSPCC (and get some exercise at the same time!).  Find an hour on Wednesday 21st December (the longest night of the year) and sign up for the NSPCC 5k Walk for Children.  Get friends and family together and walk wherever you like.  It’s a great distance for the kids – wrap up warm, perhaps take in some festive lights and finish with a hot chocolate!  Sign up using the link below to receive your fundraising pack with event guide and activity pack.

 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/charity-events/charity-treks-ultrachallenges/walk-for-children/

 

For over 30 years, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) has been working with single people facing housing crisis in the Kingston Borough.  Their aim is to help them secure a safe and stable home and to help them start rebuilding their lives.  Increasing numbers of people are coming to KCAH for help as they face winter without somewhere warm or safe to call home and even a small donation to their Winter Warmer Appeal can make a huge difference.

 

https://kcah.org.uk/

 

Age UK is a leading charity dedicated to helping everyone in the later stages of life.  Through a network of over 120 local Age UK branches and in partnership with several independent charities, they aim to provide support, companionship, and advice to those who may be without.  Local branch Age UK Wandsworth has plenty of opportunities for volunteers, whether you have an hour or a day to spare.

 

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wandsworth/

 

These important charities work tirelessly all year round - not just at Christmas, so please consider volunteering on a regular basis or make a new year resolution to fundraise for a local charity of your choice in 2023.