Volunteering at Christmas - Oh Yes You Can....
As Christmas is a time for thinking of others this week's blog is dedicated to the charities who strive to improve the lives of those in need of a litttle extra care, whether that be due to cancer, heart disease, homelessness or loneliness. Every single one of us can do something for someone in need this Christmas. If you're fit and able why not join one of the charity Santa Runs? Enjoy a chat? Spend an afternoon visiting a lonely lady or gent in hospital. Enjoy cooking? Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Are you planning a large Christmas food shop? Add a few extra non-perishable items and donate them to a food bank. Walking your dog on a chilly winter day? Offer to walk the dog of someone who may find it harder than you to get out into the cold. Bought yourself a new winter coat? Donate your old but warm, clean & in good condition coat to StreetLytes.
QEF Santa Cycle
On Sunday 7th December join Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People's 2014 cycling event. It is a 10k event for all the family from Hampton Court Bridge to Kingston Bridge and back again. Entry is £10 and cycle helmets MUST be worn. For full details please see www.qef.org.uk
Crisis
Between 23-30 December Crisis opens centres offering vital warmth, companionship, hot meals along with a range of services that homeless people often miss out on.
You can volunteer for anything from welcoming guests, serving food, driving or just making sure things go to plan. Crisis would also like service volunteers to give the guests access to services such as hairdressers, alternative therapists, doctors, caterers, dog handlers. They are also looking for entertainers such as musicians, magicians, sports trainers to entertain and inspire.
To apply please log on to the Crisis website www.crisis.org.uk as soon as possible in order for them to organise rotas.
The Trussell Trust Food Bank
Despite living in one of the country's wealthiest boroughs there are many people struggling to feed themselves and their families. Curchods in Esher High Street are collecting non -perishable food items in support of the Trussell Trust. Please deliver your items from th list below to Curchods, Esher before the 20th December.
Milk (UHT or powdered)
Sugar (500g)
Fruit Juice (carton)
Soup
Pasta Sauces
Sponge Pudding (tinned)
Tomatoes (tinned)
Cereals
Rice Pudding
Tea bags/instant coffee
Instant Mashed Potato
Rice/Pasta
Tinned Meat/Fish
Tinned Fruit
Jam
Biscuits or Snack Bars
Santa 5k Run and Santa's Little Helpers 2k Run
Sunday 7th December (11am) in Richmond Park. Entry is £20 and starts and finishes by Sheen Gate car park.
This Fun Run is organised by the Stroke Association. I really like the idea of adding the kids 2k race to get young children thinking about volunteering.
Online registration closes at 9am on 4th December but you can register on the day too.
StreetLytes
This charity was set up to help those in desperate need. The homeless and those living on the edges of our society. For most of us Christmas is a time to cosy up with our family in warm, comfortable surroundings but many people are trying to survive on the cold wet streets. You can make a difference by donating warm or waterproof clothing, especially coats but please ensure they are clean and in decent condition.
Contact www.streetlytes.org or alternatively lindalucas@me.com. Linda is the Chair of Streetlytes but lives locally so can transport your donations.
Run4Cancer
This Santa Fun Run will help British families living with cancer and takes place at Victoria Park, London on 7th December. You can choose either a 5k or 10k. For more details see www.run4cancer.org
x Volunteer and make someone's Christmas. x