How to Support Charities at Christmas
- Pledger
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
The season of generosity is upon us. After a big weekend of shopping – we’re looking at you, Black Friday – December becomes a welcome moment to support meaningful charitable causes.
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?
Donate Products and Items to Charity
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 a percentage of Product Sales
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. Check out our Virtue integrations for Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento and you can start supporting a charity of your choice in just a few minutes.
Check out some causes to donate to
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.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Collect Customer Donations for Christmas
Online Store Checkout 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 to add checkout donations. 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.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Collect POS Donations in your Shop
With Virtue, you also have the ability for customers to add a donation as part of the checkout process. Simply install the Virtue and activate the Shopify POS Donation feature to start collecting donations.
Christmas Charities and Causes to Support in UK and Canada
Charities to support in UK
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.
Refuge
Provides support, safe accommodation, and advice for women and children experiencing domestic abuse
Virtue Impact Partners - Meals for Kids
Virtue also partners with a number of organisations providing meals for children. Check out our Meals for Children impact partner and start making an impact this holiday season
Check out some other causes to donate to
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 who 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.
Charities to support in Canada
Food Banks Canada
Supports and strengthens a network of food banks across the country to help reduce food insecurity and hunger.
Make-A-Wish
Grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, often bringing extra joy during the holiday season
Women's Shelters
Provide safe housing, support services, and resources for women and children escaping domestic violence and abuse, helping them rebuild their lives.
RSPCA Canada
With animal abandonment rising 24% in winter, the RSPCA’s Animal Rescue ensures pets aren’t left to face the cold alone.
There are many great causes and charities to support over the holidays. If you are looking for the right cause to align with check out our find a charity quiz - or jump right in and start supporting with your eCommerce store today
Christmas Giving FAQs:
Q: Why should a business consider donating at Christmas?
A: Christmas is often a time when need is greatest — increasing cold, cost-of-living pressures, and seasonal hardship can leave many individuals, families, and even animals more vulnerable. The festive season also brings greater public awareness and charitable efforts, making it an ideal time for businesses to contribute meaningfully.
Q: What types of donations can an online store make?
A: According to the article, online stores can:
Donate products/items (e.g. non-perishable food, clothing, toiletries, household goods) to charity.
Donate a percentage (or fixed amount) of product sales or overall order sales.
Enable customers to donate via checkout or post-purchase (i.e. let customers add a donation to their order).
Encourage staff to volunteer time or services during the holidays.
Q: How can customer donations work on an eCommerce store using a donation platform?
A: With the right integration (for example, using a donation app), the store can set up a special “Donation” product — often hidden from the public catalog — which customers add to their cart. The donation is then processed like a virtual product: its quantity reflects the donation amount chosen by the customer.
Q: Can a business choose exactly which products or orders contribute to charity?
A: Yes. A business can configure giving so that only specific products or collections contribute, or alternatively choose to donate from all products/orders. They also decide whether the donation is a fixed amount or a percentage.
Q: Is there a limit or cap for how much a store can give on Virtue?
A: Yes — stores can set a monthly cap on their giving to avoid exceeding a budget.
Q: What kinds of charities or causes are suitable for Christmas donations?
A: The article suggests a broad range of potential causes: homelessness, hunger/food insecurity, children in need, animal welfare, and more — depending on what fits with the store’s values or customer base.
Check out some other articles on our site:
Virtue Case Studies:
For Brands:
For Causes:
Best eCommerce Charity Apps:
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