How to Support Charities this Christmas
Updated: Aug 8
Christmas is a great opportunity to give back. As the weather gets colder, more children, adults, and animals are at risk. Thankfully, there are a ton of ways for brands to extend support to those who need it the most this festive season.
Why Donate at Christmas
How can your Business get involved
Why Donate at Christmas?
While many businesses focus on December as an opportunity to grow sales leading up to Christmas, it has also been important for brands to use this time to give back.
While many people associate Christmas with friends, family, and a few gifts. There are a ton that cannot. As the temperatures get colder, the holidays can be an extremely difficult time for many. That is why many charities run their primary fundraisers in December. 2022 has been an incredibly difficult year for many. With heating bills and the general cost of living increasing, many are struggling to keep their homes warm or provide food for their pets.
As a business, there are a number of great initiatives and unique ways that you can support those in need.
How can your Business get involved?
Gift Products
If you run an online store, one of the best ways to give back is by donating products to causes in need. Many retailers like Lemonade Dolls and Chatty feet do just that. It's a great way to give back, especially if the items you selling in your store are life necessities: Examples:
Non-perishable Food
Baby supplies
Clothing
Toiletries
Household items (eg cleaning products)
Hygiene products
Donate from product sales
This is a very common one. If you have a particular charity that you would like to support, running a giving campaign over the holidays is an excellent way to give back.
Many stores will donate a set percentage from every order, over the holidays.
This year, Jericho Coffee Roasters have decided to promote a coffee advent calendar with proceeds supporting Crisis (currently sold out).
If you have an online store and are looking to support a great cause this year. Install our Shopify Integration and you can start supporting a charity of your choice in just a few minutes.
Volunteer Time and Services
It is common for employees to take time and support a charity, whether it be fundraising within the office or supporting an event.
However, it should be noted that most people (especially if you work at an online retailer) have skills that charities need!
By simply volunteering a few hours over the holidays you could be a major difference maker for a small charity that could need your help.
Check out our friends at Make Good Grow for more info to see if your services could be in need.
Customer Donations
Synonymous with Christmas is seeing a collection box on the counter of stores and restaurants. It is a great and non-intrusive way to allow your customers to add in some extra donations to a charity if they should choose.
With Virtue, online stores have the same option. Simply by installing the Virtue donation box (either on your checkout page or post-purchase) stores can easily let their customers donate to charities without much additional fuss.
Christmas Charities to Support
Crisis - Crisis at Christmas Charity Appeal
Every year Crisis runs its Crisis at Christmas Charity Appeal. This is when Crisis will open its doors across the country to help all of those experiencing all forms of homelessness. They will be greeted with warmth, food, healthcare, company, and most of all, respect.
With the growing cost of living crisis in the UK, there are more people than ever in need of assistance this year,
Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust is another great charity battling hunger and poverty in the UK. Working all year round - they have multiple options for those looking to give back.
They are running a food collection campaign with Tesco this year from December 1st to December 3rd. Tesco will be donating an additional £1.75 for every kg of food donated.
With Tesco matching donations, it is a great way to get some extra mileage on your donations this year.
Tip from the author - you can buy 1kg of Oats from Tesco for £1.20 if you want to have the biggest impact with their offer ;)
Hackney Children and Baby Bank
Over the past 2 years, the team at Hackney Children and Baby Bank have helped over 2000 families from Hackney and beyond. This also includes a number of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan that have come to settle in the UK. They help anyone in need including families that are dealing with domestic violence, debt management, homelessness, unemployment, and those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.
Whether it be supporting financially, volunteering, donating items, or purchasing from their Amazon wish list, they always have great initiatives that you can support.
Salvation Army
Founded over 150 years ago in London. The Salvation Army (and their streetside Santas) have always been a common sight in December.
With multiple initiatives, their primary focus at Christmas is supporting families battling poverty. This Christmas they will be focusing on:
Providing Christmas lunches and companionship to the elderly
Food parcels for families in need
Toys for children who otherwise might go without
RSPCA Animal Rescue
RSPCA is a world-leading animal rescue charity. Unfortunately, there has been a 24% increase in reports of abandonment this winter and a survey by the RSPCA found that 7 out of 10 people are concerned about the costs of caring for their pets. RSPCA are always looking for a donation, and you can support them directly on their website, or by purchasing items from their online store and high street charity shops.
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Guide: How to Run a Giving Campaign
How to choose a cause
How to pick a Giving Style
Launch Checklist
Cause Calendar