This week, our Volunteer Coordinator, Helen, shared the news that all volunteer positions have now been filled for this Christmas - whoop whoop! We really do have a fantastic community at Marmalade Trust and it's so heartwarming to see the applications to spread the Christmas Cheer come flooding in.
There are still plenty of ways you can support Marmalade Trust and our mission to raise awareness of loneliness and foster meaningful connections! Here are our ideas...
Donate to support our Christmas Cheer project
We don’t want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don’t want to, so we invite them to join us for a free festive lunch on the big day, or a doorstep visit. Members are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around.
Everyone is made to feel part of the Marmalade family! Any donations would be so gratefully appreciated, and would help us make sure no one is alone if they don’t want to be this Christmas. Click here to donate.
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"It means everything to know someone cares. Without Marmalade Trust, I wouldn't have spoken to or seen anyone over Christmas. I'm so grateful."
Have a conversation about loneliness
Our vision is to create a society where loneliness is recognised openly as something we are all likely to experience. One of the first steps to achieve this is to have a frank and honest conversation with someone you trust about times when you might have experienced loneliness, and be open to hearing their experiences too.
If someone you know is lonely, this time of year can be particularly difficult, so it could be a nice idea to gently reach out and let them know you care. You could also have a read of our top tips for making meaningful connections.
Spread the word
Could you use your social network to speak out? Sharing our posts to your social channels is a great way to amplify our important message. You can follow Marmalade Trust on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram.
Join the 1500 Club
The 1500 Club is open to anyone looking to make a difference this Christmas. To join the club, we're asking you or your organisation to fundraise £1,500 to support the Christmas Cheer project.
Your donation of £1,500 will go directly to helping us bring festive cheer to those who would otherwise be alone, including the cost of a Christmas meal in a local pub or restaurant, and a Christmas hamper filled with treats. For most, this will be the only gift they receive. Find out how to get started here.
Raise funds for us for FREE
Donating to Marmalade Trust doesn’t have to cost you a penny! With Give As You Live every time you purchase something from most online retailers, they’ll make a donation to us – at no extra cost to you! Get started here.
Set yourself a New Year challenge
From doing a year of good deeds to hosting a live gaming stream - there's a fun challenge perfectly suited to each of us. Not only will you be raising funds to support our work, but fundraising is also such a good way to make friends, find common ground and generally have a laugh and feel great about yourself! Sounds like a win - win to us!
Check out our fundraising ideas here, and find out how to get started here.
"I’ve chose to support Marmalade Trust as loneliness is experienced by most people at some point in life. I’d heard about the work they [Marmalade Trust] do over Christmas before, but was not aware of their year-round support. I wanted something local and not too big so that the little bit I am able to contribute might make a real difference and the Marmalade Trust fitted perfectly."
Sally Greenland, one of our superstar fundraisers, ran an incredible 46 muddy miles around Bristol to support Marmalade Trust, smashing her £2,000 target! Read more here >
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