10 Ways to Give this Christmas
1. Donate to the Kingston Christmas Wishes appeal
Make some winter wishes come true this Christmas by making a donation to our Kingston Winter Wishes appeal which launches on Giving Tuesday, 28th November 2023. You will be able to donate to help us collectively support our shared community all week, from Giving Tuesday until Tuesday 5th December.
We have already had a very generous pledge for our Kingston Winter Wishes appeal, from the Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust, to match fund donations; this means that every penny you donate will be doubled! And if you’re a UK taxpayer your donation can be Gift Aided too, increasing your donation by a further 25%.
2. Support us as a Volunteer
After being announced as the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames' and Kingston Chamber of Commerce's Charity of the Year, the next 12 months will be our busiest yet. So busy in fact, that we're looking for a talented Event Volunteer to join our team - could it be you? Contact our team on volunteering@kingstoncf.org.uk.
3. Pledge to Give as you Earn
Payroll Giving is a way of giving money to charity without paying tax on it. The amount of tax relief you get depends on the rate of tax you pay. You’ll need to ask your employer to set up and run the scheme – by supporting charitable giving through their payroll, your employer is they care about the community too.
4. Take Part in a Fundraising Event
From Dragon Boat racing to cream teas, quiz nights to marathon running, we have a range of fundraising events to suit every interest and ability. This year there’s even more activities to choose from as the Foundation is both the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames' and Kingston Chamber of Commerce's Charity of the Year. Visit our website to find out more: Events — Kingston Charitable Foundation (kingstoncf.org.uk)
5. Shop Local and Support Independent Businesses
A shared economy is a stronger economy which strengthens community too. By shopping local and supporting independent businesses, you’re helping to employ local people, boost the Kingston economy and benefit the environment, as business owners are more likely to buy local too and shoppers can leave the car at home.
6. Buy Tickets for the Kingston Lottery
Help give our fundraising boost by buying a ticket for the Kingston Lottery. Play from just £1 a week to support Kingston Charitable Foundation and a chance to win up to £25,000 and special prizes too. 50% of each ticket you buy will go to the Foundation and 10% to other causes in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Play today: Support Kingston Charitable Foundation when you play Kingston Community Lottery - Kingston Community Lottery (kingstonlottery.co.uk)
7. Upcycle or Buy a Pre-loved Item
Gifts needn’t cost the earth, especially if you choose something pre-loved or upcycle something that needs a little TLC. By visiting a local charity shop or Save the World's Circulatory (a veritable Aladdin’s cave!), you’ll be saving something from the scrapheap and supporting a local good cause too.
8. Spend Time with Elderly Neighbours
According to Age UK, nearly a million older people feel more lonely at Christmas and worrying numbers are feeling depressed and anxious about the prospect of spending it alone. A friendly phone call or visit is the best Christmas present many older people say they can receive. Could you call in for a cuppa with an elderly neighbour, to spread a little Christmas cheer?
9. Make a Donation to the Foundation in lieu of Christmas cards
Instead of sending Christmas Cards this year, please consider donating the money you would have spent, to Kingston Charitable Foundation. The ‘Don’t Send Me A Card’ trend is growing as more people realise how convenient it is to send an e-greeting, minimising paper waste and the carbon footprint of producing and delivering a card, and helping a community based charity too. If you would like to make a personal or corporate donation to the Foundation in lieu of sending Christmas cards this year, please let us know by emailing info@kingstoncf.org.uk and we’ll send you an e-greeting for you to send or post on social media instead.
10. Buy One, Give One - when Shopping at The Works
You can create some Christmas joy by purchasing two of the same item when shopping at The Works - one for you and one for a child in need right here in Kingston. Pop into the store on Eden Walk when you’re next Christmas shopping.