2020 has been a year like no other and amidst all the festive celebration, we have the chance to take a moment to think about those in our community who might be having a tough time and how we can help to do our bit to support them this Christmas.
The Crown Estate is extending the opportunity to volunteer and support their charity partners; shop, deliver, decorate or donate to help spread the Christmas spirit.
There are a number of amazing initiatives, all taking place on our Central London portfolio, which would benefit from volunteers over the coming weeks, if you would like to get involved please do get in touch:
SHOP
The Connection at St Martin’s helps thousands of people every year to move away from, and stay off, the streets of London by tackling the underlying causes of rough sleeping as well as offering practical help.
The Connections online eco store, Show Your Connection, is the perfect place to buy gifts for friends and family this festive season, all from the comfort of your own home!
They have a great range of Christmas cards and gift wraps, designed by people who access their services, as well as drinkware and clothing that make the perfect gifts.
They are just as passionate about being kind to the environment as well as helping people facing homelessness. That is why everything you find on their store is made from sustainable or recycled materials, is ethically produced and all profits support the work they do, helping people to move away from the streets.
DELIVER
This year we have an opportunity to volunteer to support Age UK. Usually they deliver Christmas meals to over 400 vulnerable clients across Westminster. This year, they are planning to deliver Christmas Hampers instead of meals and they need over 250 volunteers to assist with this massive operation. The hampers will be delivered during the Christmas week, between Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd December. Collection will take place between 10.30 and 1pm on each day.
They will have three different collection hubs: in Pimlico SW1, Paddington W2 and Queens Park W10 so volunteers can choose which hub is easiest for them to get to. Please note that each of the 3 pick-up hubs will be open once during the 3 days that they will deliver the Christmas hampers.
- Pimlico Hub will open on Monday 21st December
- Paddington Hub will open on Tuesday 22nd December
- Queens Park will open on Wednesday 23rd December
Many of their clients live in the same blocks of flats, which will make delivery quite straightforward whether in groups or individually. The hampers are quite small so each volunteer would be able to take up to 5 bags, if they choose. Deliveries can be done on foot, bicycle or by car.
They will also be looking for people to call their clients on Christmas Day to ensure that they have someone to speak with on the day.
For more information about how to get involved please email Michael.Blake@thecrownestate.co.uk with your interest.
DECORATE
This year, The Connection are asking volunteers to prepare decorations and Christmas cards for clients who have been moved into their own home recently and is a lovely way of wishing them a happy Christmas.
They are also sending out packs so volunteers can create snowflakes and other decorations at home- which will be used to decorate their centre and their hotel accommodation for those rough sleepers and homeless who will be using their services over the festive period.
For more information about how to get decorations and cards sent to you please email volunteering@thecrownestate.co.uk
DONATE
Additionally The Crown Estate are supporting their charity partner The Felix Project by installing a TAP machine at the iconic 55 Regent Street location. If you find yourself in the area next week why not use the window to make a contactless donation in support of fighting food waste and hunger.
The Felix Project is also looking for volunteers to work in their London depots as drivers, co drivers and volunteer walkers to deliver donated foods to schools, centres and women’s shelters. To find out more, please email volunteering@thecrownestate.co.uk and the team will contact the Felix Project Coordinator to arrange the rest.
