Thursday, 14 November 2024
Tesco unveils a sweet way to help charities fighting hunger this Christmas
The donation, across a wide range of tasty gingerbread products, will help Tesco’s long-standing charity partners Trussell and FareShare support people in communities across the UK.
Trussell works with the UK’s biggest community of foodbanks, helping people in hardship with food when they need it most, while FareShare redistributes surplus food to support more than 8,000 local charities and community groups.
With gingerbread at the centre of Tesco’s Christmas campaign this year, Tesco Chief Commercial Officer Ashwin Prasad said making a donation for each gingerbread product sold provided the ideal opportunity to help feed the Christmas spirit.
“Gingerbread is a great tradition of Christmas for many, as is helping others,” he said. “By picking up one of the delicious gingerbread products that we we stock, and maybe even trying your hand at building a gingerbread house this Christmas, Tesco customers will be helping to support the vital work of our friends at Trussell and FareShare in fighting hunger.”
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO at FareShare, said the donations would make a real difference. "We are really incredibly grateful to Tesco for a brilliant festive fundraising opportunity for FareShare,” he said. “All funds raised through the purchase of gingerbread items at Tesco will help us to get good food to charities and community groups across the UK providing meals and bringing people together this winter."
Sophie Carre, Trussell's Director of Public Engagement added: “We are obviously extremely grateful to Tesco for donating 10p to Trussell from the sale of gingerbread products this Christmas. Whether you buy a kit to build a gingerbread house with your family or treat yourself to a pack of festive biscuits, every purchase made will help to support our work to end hunger in the UK. Food banks are facing an extremely tough winter but, thanks to the generosity of Tesco and its customers, they will be able to be there for anyone facing hardship in their community.”
In total 18 different types of gingerbread will trigger a donation, with Tesco’s own gingerbread products and those from leading and regional brands falling under the scheme, too. Donations will be made on products purchased from today, November 13, right through to Christmas Day and donations will be split equally between the two recipient charities.
This year Tesco’s Christmas campaign tells the heartwarming and poignant story of a young man called Gary’s journey to rekindle a cherished tradition of building a gingerbread house; something he used to do with his grandmother.
Viewers see Gary and his grandfather come together to re-live the tradition and nostalgic comfort of the project, and their home-made biscuit build takes pride of place on the Christmas table. The advert is set to the soundtrack of On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz and first aired during the Great British Bake Off on November 12. It can be seen in cinemas until December 23 or online here: Helping #FeedYourChristmasSpirit
FACTFILE:-
Tesco Stores Limited will donate 10p through the sale of gingerbread products between 13/11/24 and 25/12/24 either in-store or online. The total donations raised will be split equally between FareShare, a registered charity in England and Wales (1100051) and Scotland (SC052672) and Trussell, the operating name of The Trussell Trust, a registered charity in England & Wales (1110522) and Scotland (SC044246) to help provide access to food for people in the community that need our help. Tesco Stores Limited will make available the final total of donations shortly after the Christmas period.
Products included Are:-
Tesco gingerbread biscuit
Tesco 5 gingerbread men kit 199g
Tesco 30 mini gingerbread men 300g
Tesco create your own gingerbread house 613g
Tesco seasonal gingerbread biscuit
Tesco 10 mini gingerbread men
Tesco gingerbread mix 225g
Kopernik iced gingerbread 153g
Organix 15 gingerbread men 135g
Organix mini gingerbread men biscuits 5x20g
Tesco free from gingerbread men 154g
McVitie’s mini gingerbread men 6x19g
Tesco mini gingerbread men 100g
Furniss Cornish gingerbread with dark choc 200g
Oreo gingerbread 154g
Tesco gingerbread Christmas tree kit
Tesco gingerbread dough 350g
Tesco mini gingerbread village
Yeah, I feel certain that The That's Christmas team will be making our way to our nearest Tesco (lucky for us it's a big one with a massive baked goods section!) to stock up on ginger bread products.
It's actually a bit of a tradition of ours to build our own gingerbread houses and it looks likely that Tesco gingerbread Christmas tree kits could be the way we'll be going this Christmas!
Why don't you join us, if you can and build your own gingerbread houses and Christmas trees? Come on! It'll be a lot of fun.
You can email you entries to afj_UK@yahoo.com
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Coventry Orchestra’s Winter Concert ‘Music Glorious Music’ in aid of local food banks
Funds raised will aid the important work of Balsall Common Lions to support local food banks in the Christmas period.
This event promises a delightful selection of Christmas classics and orchestral favourites. Audience members will enjoy a magical programme featuring selections from Oliver, The Nutcracker Suite, Christmas at the Movies, White Christmas, and Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, along with other seasonal music.
Book the concert in your diary at 3pm on 7th December at Heart of England School, Gipsy Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7FW.
The concert will raise funds for Balsall Common Lions in support of local food banks.
Last year the orchestra raised over £1,860 for charities including Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, UNICEF and Global Care.
Ticket prices are £11 adults, £8 concessions, £1 children under 16. A drink and a slice of cake included in ticket price. Tickets are available on the door or can be booked in advance:
Why not come and play with them? The orchestra is currently welcoming new members so if you’re ready for a new playing challenge or want to dust off your instrument after a break, get in touch about coming along: https://www.coventrycooporchestra.org.uk/join-hoecco
Age Concern Hampshire Launches Christmas Campaign: “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year”
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The key focus of this year’s campaign is to rally support from the public and corporate partners to ensure that the charity can continue its mission into 2025 and beyond.
Donations raised through the campaign will enable Age Concern Hampshire to carry on offering these vital services, bringing much-needed cheer to even more older people in the year ahead.
Through images and highlights from the past year, the campaign will showcase how essential Age Concern Hampshire services are in delivering vital support and spreading cheer to older people at a time of the year when older people can feel particularly isolated.
Age Concern Hampshire’s services, include dementia support at their Care & Wellbeing Centres, support leaving hospital with the Hospital to Home Service, various social groups, and other community initiatives.
Said Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire: “Our services are crucial in ensuring older people feel supported and valued throughout the year. With the help of public and corporate donations, we can continue to bring joy and comfort into their lives, not only this Christmas but into 2025 as well.”
Age Concern Hampshire is calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations to support the “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year” campaign by donating through their JustGiving page. The charity is also open to taking on local sponsors for the campaign.
Every contribution will directly support the charity’s services, enabling them to continue offering care, companionship, and support to older people in need. Donate via Age Concern Hampshire’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmas24 or contact the Fundraising team to discuss sponsorship at supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk
Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at our Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services, and a variety of other activities.
For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk
For people living outside Hampshire your local Age Concern or Age UK will be operating similar schemes for older people over Christmas just search for them using Google or Bing or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk
Staying on Top of House Cleaning and Laundry During the Christmas & New Year Period
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With a bit of planning and a few clever strategies, you can keep on top of housework without feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the festive season.
1. Plan Ahead and Prioritise
Christmas is a busy time, so a little preparation goes a long way. In early December, create a cleaning schedule that prioritises key areas of your home. Focus on high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom. Plan a deep clean in the first week of December to set a clean slate, and then shift to maintenance mode as the holidays draw closer.
If you're expecting guests, make a list of tasks to tackle before they arrive, such as cleaning the guest bedroom and ensuring towels and linens are fresh. Having a checklist can help you stay organised and avoid last-minute panic.
2. Declutter Before the Festivities Begin
Christmas often comes with an influx of gifts, decorations, and extra items in your home. Before you start decorating, take the opportunity to declutter. Go through drawers, cupboards, and surfaces, getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. Not only will this make your home feel more spacious, but it also makes cleaning much easier.(Please refer to our blogpost about decluttering at Christmas time.)
Decluttering your wardrobe before Christmas is especially helpful. Clearing out old clothes will make room for any new items you may receive and will also make it easier to manage laundry during this busy season.
3. Delegate and Share the Load
Household chores shouldn't fall on one person’s shoulders, especially during a festive period that’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If you live with family or have guests staying with you, delegate tasks to others. Assign simple chores like vacuuming, dusting, or putting dishes away to willing helpers. As my late mother would say: "This house doesn't clean itself over Christmas, you know!"
If you’re hosting, consider asking guests to pitch in with smaller tasks like setting the table or tidying up after meals. Most people are happy to help, and it can even become a fun, shared activity.
4. Use Time-Saving Cleaning Hacks
When time is tight, quick cleaning hacks can be a lifesaver. Here are a few that can help:
Microfibre cloths: These are great for wiping down surfaces quickly and effectively, picking up dust and dirt with ease.
Multitasking cleaners: Opt for all-purpose cleaning products that can handle multiple surfaces, reducing the need to switch between products.
Steam cleaners: If you have one, it’s perfect for freshening up carpets, upholstery, and tiles before guests arrive.
Consider using a robot vacuum if you have one—it's a great way to keep floors tidy while you focus on other tasks.
5. Stay on Top of Laundry
With festive outfits, table linens, guest bedding, and the inevitable pile of holiday pyjamas, laundry can quickly pile up. Here’s how to keep it under control:
Do smaller loads more frequently: Rather than letting laundry accumulate, try doing a quick wash cycle every other day. This prevents a massive backlog and makes the process more manageable.
Use shorter washing cycles: For lightly worn items, opt for shorter, eco-friendly cycles. This saves time and energy while still keeping your clothes clean.
Have designated laundry baskets: If you’re hosting, provide guests with their own laundry basket in their rooms to keep dirty clothes contained.
If you have a dryer, keep it in good working order to dry clothes faster during the damp winter months. For those without a dryer, consider using a heated drying rack to speed up the process.
6. Maintain a Tidy Kitchen
The kitchen can be the hub of activity during Christmas, with all the cooking, baking, and entertaining. To keep it from becoming chaotic:
Clean as you go: Wipe down counters, put dishes in the dishwasher, and take out the rubbish regularly. It’s much easier than dealing with a huge mess at the end of the day.
Empty the fridge: Make space for all the festive food by clearing out anything that’s expired or unlikely to be used. This also makes it easier to find what you need when preparing meals.
Keep bins handy: Have a recycling bin and a compost caddy within easy reach to quickly dispose of food scraps and packaging.
7. Simplify Your Festive Decor
While it’s lovely to deck the halls, be mindful of how much extra cleaning some decorations can create. Opt for minimal, elegant decorations that are easy to dust around. Avoid glitter-heavy decor that can create a mess or overly elaborate setups that require frequent adjustments.
If you’re using a real Christmas tree, remember to vacuum up fallen needles regularly to prevent them from spreading throughout the house.
8. Schedule Time to Relax
Amidst all the cleaning, cooking, and socialising, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, so schedule moments to unwind—whether it’s enjoying a festive film, going for a walk, or simply sipping on a mulled wine by the fireplace. Housework will always be there, but the holiday season only comes once a year.
Keeping your home clean and organised during the Christmas and New Year period doesn’t have to be a chore in itself. By planning ahead, staying on top of tasks, and enlisting help from others, you can maintain a tidy home without losing out on the festive fun. Remember, the goal is to enjoy this special time with loved ones, so don’t stress over perfection—focus on creating a warm, inviting space that everyone can enjoy.
Happy Christmas cleaning and may your New Year be as sparkling as your clean floors!
Decluttering Your Home Before Christmas: A Fresh Start for the Festive Season
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However, with the excitement of Christmas often comes an influx of new items—whether it's gifts, decorations, or simply extra food and supplies.
Without a bit of preparation, your home can quickly become cluttered, making it harder to enjoy the Christmas break.
Whether you live in a house, a cosy flat, or a compact bedsit, decluttering before Christmas is the perfect way to create a clean, welcoming environment. Here’s how to get your space in order before the festive chaos begins, allowing you to fully embrace the season of joy.
1. Why Declutter Before Christmas?
There are several reasons why decluttering before the holidays can be beneficial:
Make room for new gifts: Christmas often means an influx of presents, whether they’re for you or your family. By clearing out what you no longer need, you create space for new items, ensuring they don’t end up in an already crowded cupboard or on a cluttered shelf.
Reduce stress: A cluttered home can be overwhelming, especially when trying to prepare for guests or festive celebrations. Decluttering gives you a sense of control and peace of mind, making your home a more serene place to relax.
Ease the cleaning process: Fewer items mean fewer things to dust, organise, and move around. This makes the pre-Christmas deep clean much simpler and quicker, so you can focus on other preparations.
2. Start with a Plan
Before you dive into decluttering, take a few moments to create a plan. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; just jot down which areas of your home you want to tackle and in what order. Focusing on one room or section at a time prevents overwhelm and allows you to see progress, keeping you motivated.
3. Prioritise High-Traffic Areas
Not all spaces in your home will need the same level of attention, so prioritise areas that get the most use or will be seen by guests. Focus on:
Living room: This is often the heart of Christmas celebrations. Clear away any items that don’t belong here, such as paperwork, old magazines, or kids' toys. Consider packing away some non-seasonal decor to make room for festive decorations.
Kitchen: With all the festive cooking, your kitchen needs to be as functional as possible. Clear countertops of gadgets or utensils you rarely use, and declutter your cupboards and fridge to make space for Christmas food and drink.
Hallway: First impressions matter, so tidy up the entryway by removing shoes, coats, and bags that tend to accumulate. Use baskets or storage solutions to keep essentials like umbrellas and keys organised.
4. Tackle Bedrooms and Wardrobes
If you’re expecting guests or simply want to create a more restful environment, spend some time decluttering bedrooms:
Wardrobe refresh: Go through your clothes and donate or recycle items you no longer wear. This makes room for any new clothing you may receive over Christmas. A clear wardrobe also makes it easier to pick out your festive outfits without feeling overwhelmed.
Guest room preparation: If you’re hosting overnight guests, clear any clutter from the spare room. Make it inviting by providing fresh towels, toiletries, and a bit of festive decor.
5. Sort Through Seasonal Decorations
Before you begin decorating your home for Christmas, take stock of what you already have. Gather all your decorations and assess whether anything is broken, outdated, or no longer suits your style. Donate any items that are in good condition but no longer spark joy, and recycle broken lights or worn-out decorations responsibly.
When putting up decorations, opt for a more minimalistic approach if your space is already tight. This can create a more sophisticated look while also reducing clutter.
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Many of us hold onto items out of guilt or simply because we’ve forgotten they’re there. Now is the perfect time to let go of:
Old, unused gifts: If you’ve been holding onto items you never use, it’s time to let them go. Consider donating these to charity shops or giving them to someone who will appreciate them.
Outdated tech and gadgets: Electronics can take up a surprising amount of space. Recycle or donate any old gadgets, cables, or chargers you no longer need.
Books, magazines, and DVDs: If you’re no longer interested in certain titles or have already read that stack of magazines, consider donating them to libraries, hospitals, or care homes where they can be enjoyed by others.
7. The 4-Box Method
If you’re unsure where to start, try using the 4-box method. Label four boxes as follows:
Keep: Items you use regularly or truly love.
Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that someone else could use.
Recycle: Items that can be recycled, such as paper, plastics, or electronics.
Rubbish: Things that are broken, expired, or beyond repair.
Work through one area at a time, placing each item into one of the four boxes. This method keeps you focused and prevents procrastination.
8. Minimise Paper Clutter
With all the Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and receipts that accumulate during the festive season, paper clutter can quickly spiral out of control. Take some time to:
Sort through mail: Recycle old flyers, catalogues, and outdated paperwork. Store important documents in clearly labelled folders.
Go digital: If you receive bills, statements, or newsletters, consider opting for digital versions where possible.
9. Create a Sustainable Decluttering Habit
While a big pre-Christmas declutter is a fantastic way to prepare your home, maintaining a clutter-free space year-round is even better. Implement a "one in, one out" policy, where you donate or discard an old item every time a new one comes in. This is particularly helpful with clothes, books, and kitchen gadgets.
Decluttering your home before Christmas not only makes your space feel lighter and more welcoming but also helps you enjoy the season with a clearer mind. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create room for new experiences, gifts, and joyful memories.
So, set aside some time over the next few weeks, put on some festive music, and embrace the satisfaction of a clutter-free home. After all, a tidy space is the perfect backdrop for celebrating with loved ones and starting the New Year afresh.
Happy decluttering, and may your home be merry, bright, and wonderfully organised!
How to Support Charities in Need Over the Christmas Period
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For countless individuals and families, the festive season can be a time of hardship, with many struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone celebrate.
Charities play a vital role in supporting those in need, but they often face increased demand over Christmas. If you're looking to make a difference this holiday season, there are many ways you can support charities and help spread kindness and joy. Whether you have money, time, or resources to offer, every bit of help counts. Here’s how you can contribute meaningfully this Christmas.
1. Donate to Food Banks
Food banks see a significant rise in demand during the Christmas period. For those facing food insecurity, the festive season can be especially challenging, with higher expenses and colder weather making it harder to make ends meet.
Ways to help:
Donate non-perishable items: Tinned foods, pasta, rice, cereals, and toiletries are always in demand. Check with your local food bank for their most needed items.
Monetary donations: If you’re short on time, financial donations can go a long way. Many food banks can buy in bulk and make your money stretch further.
Festive treats: Consider donating Christmas-specific items like mince pies, chocolate, or festive biscuits. These small luxuries can help make someone’s Christmas a bit brighter.
2. Support Toy and Gift Drives
For families struggling to make ends meet, buying presents for children can be an impossible challenge. Many charities and organisations run toy and gift drives to ensure that every child has a gift to open on Christmas morning.
How you can help:
Donate new, unwrapped toys: Many supermarkets, schools, and community centres have collection points for toy donations.
Gifts for teenagers and adults: Don’t forget that older children and adults are often overlooked. Consider donating gifts like books, toiletries, cosy socks, or vouchers.
Adopt a family: Some charities allow you to “adopt” a family for Christmas, where you provide gifts and essentials for the holiday season.
3. Volunteer Your Time
Not all contributions need to be financial. Giving your time is one of the most valuable ways to support a charity. Many organisations need extra hands during the festive season to distribute food, sort donations, or organise community events.
Consider volunteering for:
Soup kitchens or homeless shelters: Serving meals, preparing food parcels, or simply providing a friendly face can make a huge difference.
Care homes: Many elderly people spend Christmas alone. Volunteering to visit a local care home, helping with activities, or simply chatting with residents can bring warmth and companionship.
Crisis hotlines: The festive season can be a particularly lonely and stressful time for many. If you have the necessary training or are willing to undergo it, consider volunteering for a mental health or crisis hotline.
4. Support Homeless Charities
Winter is a particularly difficult time for those experiencing homelessness. Cold weather, isolation, and a lack of resources can make this time of year especially harsh. Homeless charities work tirelessly to provide shelter, hot meals, and support, but they rely heavily on donations and volunteers.
Ways to support homeless charities:
Donate warm clothing: Hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks are essential for those sleeping rough. Consider donating new or gently used winter clothing.
Sponsor a bed: Many charities run programmes where you can sponsor a bed for someone for a night, week, or even the entire festive period.
Create care packages: Putting together small packs with essentials like hygiene products, snacks, bottled water, and a warm pair of socks can provide comfort to those in need.
5. Make Financial Donations
If you’re short on time but want to help, a monetary donation to a charity can be one of the most effective ways to make a difference. Financial contributions provide charities with the flexibility to use the funds where they are needed most, whether that’s stocking food shelves, funding emergency support, or buying necessary supplies.
Tips for donating:
Choose a reputable charity: Do a bit of research to ensure your donation goes to a legitimate organisation. Websites like the Charities Commission can help verify a charity’s status.
Set up a regular donation: While one-off donations are wonderful, setting up a small monthly donation can provide charities with a steady stream of income throughout the year.
Gift in someone's name: If you're looking for a meaningful Christmas present, consider donating to a charity on behalf of a loved one.
6. Donate Blood
While it’s easy to overlook, donating blood is a vital way to support those in need, especially during winter when supplies can dwindle due to illness and holiday travel. Blood donations save lives, and the need for blood is constant, particularly during the busy festive season.
How to get involved:
Find a local blood drive: The NHS Blood and Transplant service regularly runs donation sessions. Check their website to find a session near you.
Spread the word: Encourage friends and family to donate as well, especially if they’ve never done so before. Every donation can save multiple lives.
7. Support Local Charities and Community Initiatives
While national charities are essential, don’t forget the smaller, local organisations that may be in desperate need of help. Your support can have a direct impact on your local community.
Ideas to consider:
Community kitchens and shelters: Many local churches and community centres run programmes to support those in need during Christmas.
Sponsor a local charity event: Whether it’s a Christmas market, carol concert, or fundraising bake sale, supporting these events can help raise vital funds for smaller charities.
Shop with a purpose: Some local shops, markets, and online businesses donate a portion of their profits to charity. By choosing these sellers, you can support good causes while doing your Christmas shopping.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a time for giving, and the true spirit of the season lies in helping those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s donating money, time, or resources, every little bit can make a world of difference for someone in need. In a season filled with abundance, let’s not forget the power of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
This Christmas, challenge yourself to go beyond the usual gift-giving traditions and make a positive impact. Whether it’s helping a local charity, supporting a neighbour, or simply spreading kindness, together we can ensure that the festive spirit reaches everyone.
Happy Christmas, and may your season be filled with joy, love, and the warmth that comes from giving back.
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