Three ways your business can show it ‘Cares’ this Christmas

There are three easy ways to get involved:

1. Buy a gift – and support Action for Children. The organisation supports nearly 13,000 of our most vulnerable children young people and families to reach their full potential. Donations can be gifts (for young people up to the age of 18); gift vouchers or home heating oil vouchers

2. Wrap a gift – and support Cancer Focus at Victoria Square throughout December to raise funds for their services across Northern Ireland

3. Sort a gift – and support Cash for Kids, Mission Christmas. The Mission Christmas Warehouse (a.k.a. Santa’s workshop!) is based at the docks just past Cityside, Belfast. New and unwrapped gifts for 0-18 years are donated and when these gifts make their way to the Mission Christmas warehouse, they all need to be sorted into gender and age group

Every gift or action counts!

Business in the Community’s Volunteering Manager, Hilary Hanberry explains: “Last year, the generosity of employees from our companies provided over £35,000 worth of toys for disadvantaged young people. We are delighted that this year the Cares @ Christmas campaign is expanding to support more organisations and initiatives and give people the opportunity to contribute in different ways.”

Sam Davidson, Human Resources Director for SPAR explains why, saying: “The Cares @ Christmas campaign is a highlight for everyone at SPAR each year. Our employees love it and we encourage our staff to participate. We also ask as many businesses as possible to get involved in this simple, but very worthwhile campaign. Donating a game, a toy, a selection box, gift vouchers, home heating vouchers, a hamper, books or CDs can make all the difference to a child or family who may otherwise go without this year. Come and join in.”

Julie Harvey, Fundraiser at Action for Children, adds: “The children and families we support face many different issues but they all really appreciate the generosity of Business in the Community members at Christmas. Whether they are caring for a sick or disabled love one, need a bit of support during a crisis or are at risk of becoming homeless, the gifts mean they can have an enjoyable Christmas with some pressure lifted. Whatever their circumstances, your generosity at Christmas makes a real practical difference and reminds them that they’re not alone.”

Morag Chambers, Cancer Focus, adds: “Cancer Focus NI are delighted to have the opportunity of being part of the Cares @ Christmas Appeal. As a local charity, all the money we raise is used to benefit the local community and as well as funding local cancer research, cancer prevention programmes and campaigns we also provide a range of valuable support services. Christmas is such a family time and we would love local businesses to get involved in our gift wrapping and collections in Victoria Square this year in support of our vital Family Support Service – helping us raise crucial funds to support children and their families who are living with a cancer diagnosis.”

It’s easy to get involved. Visit www.bitcni.org.uk to sign up today, download your poster, share within your workplace and Business in the Community will be in touch.