Our community has been humbled by the support we have received this Christmas from generous supporters who made our festive season incredibly special.
From donating essential items to our companions such as toiletries and festive food, to supporting our successful Santa’s Grotto, or shopping with us, we’ve been really touched by the Christmas spirit shown to our community.
The Cambridge Building Society
Spreading some Christmas cheer was The Cambridge Building Society who kindly donated a range of items under their Giving Tree initiative, supporting local community causes, including ours.
They donated four hampers of items to make the companion Christmas gift bags extra special, all thanks to their customers and team members at The Cambridge. Peter Burrows, Chief Executive Officer, Hannah Gladwell, Head of Compliance, and Katie Robinson, Community Engagement Specialist, enjoyed lunch in our community dining room after delivering the hampers, spreading Christmas cheer.
Our Chief Executive Officer Donna Talbot said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and customers of The Cambridge. The items that they have been donated will be included in the goody bags that we make up for each companion living here at Emmaus Cambridge. Christmas is a difficult season for many people for a variety of reasons.
“Receiving gifts from others provides warmth in knowing that others care about, and are thinking of them, at this nostalgic time of the year. The kindness shown will mean that we can give companions positive memories that will stay with them as they work hard to move their lives forward.”
The Cambridge Building Society’s leadership team also delivered the hamper boxes to all three further chosen charities – the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, The Angels Foundation UK and Jimmy’s Cambridge on Thursday 19 December.
Peter Burrows, Chief Executive of The Cambridge Building Society, said: “Christmas is a time for giving, and our giving tree campaign is a wonderful way for our team and our customers to come together to help make a meaningful difference in our community.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by our customers and team members throughout the year, and it was wonderful to hear how these items will make a difference to people this winter.”
New Year cheer from The Cambridge!
Bringing added cheer to the New Year, The Cambridge Building Society’s team announced their fundraising figure for 2024 was £3,458.73. They have split this between their three community partners, which means each charity, including ours, will receive £1,152.91. A huge thank you to The Cambridge for this fantastic donation!
Cambridge Radio interview
On Christmas Day Barney, a companion, and John, a staff member, were invited on air on Cambridge Radio to talk all things Christmas. They were busily preparing Christmas lunch for companions who’d be spending the day at the Emmaus Cambridge Community.
John spoke about the great work they were doing to make the day special for around 30 companions, and the difference made to people on Christmas day and throughout the year.
Santa’s Grotto
Further to the generosity of local donors and with the support of staff, volunteers and companions, Emmaus Cambridge created a magical Santa’s Grotto on the run-up to Christmas.
The families, known or introduced to our charity through our extensive solidarity work, received a special present from Santa himself. We were delighted that Santa greeted 25 young people, raising over £96 through voluntary donations for our charity, with lots of beaming faces from the children showing how much they enjoyed their visit!
Thanks to all who came along or donated so generously in advance of Christmas in order to help Santa will all of the items needed on the special Christmas gift list!
Christmas Emporium and new toy area
Customers were also hugely supportive of our popular Christmas Marquee and new toy area, launched ahead of the Christmas period. The seasonal treat gave visitors even more cost effective and eco-friendly gifting and decorating options.
We were also delighted to receive a donation of a 12-foot Christmas tree from Rob Turner of Aztec Plants for our community garden. The lights were added by Shane, a companion and member of our busy maintenance team, and twinkled beautifully throughout advent.
Another Christmas bonus was a generous donation of 80 turkeys from Fareshare, many of which we have frozen for future use.
Burwell Charity Bar Crawl
Huge thanks also go to festive fundraiser James Pryor (who dressed as Santa), and his group of friends who complete their annual Charity Pub Crawl.
James said: “This was our ninth year of doing it, and due to everyone being so busy we decided to just do three stops this year, visiting the pubs.
“We always raise money for amazing local charities, alternating each year and this year we decided to donate to Emmaus.
“My parents and I often visit and pick up the odd bargain and donate old stuff someone else would get better use from. We love what you’re doing and the mission you’re on, helping the homeless.”
The big-hearted team raised a staggering £1,017 for our charity as a result.
Donna said: “A huge thank you to James and his friends for this amazing donation and for his kind words of support. We really appreciate the donation which will go a long way to supporting people with experience of homelessness to a much brighter future.”
Bewery Tap Christmas Raffle
A huge thank you also goes to the Tap Team at the Brewery Tap pub in Waterbeach who raised £290 for us through a Christmas raffle.
We are very grateful for your support, thank you so much!
Donna added: “Thanks also to everyone who supported us this Christmas in so many different ways. We truly felt the spirit of Christmas alive and well in the community, making it a very memorable season.”
Pic cap:
Our CEO Donna Talbot (left) pictured with Peter Burrows, CEO of The Cambridge Building Society, and Hannah Gladwell, Head of Compliance at The Cambridge, along with some of the donations.
Photo credit: Keith Heppell/Cambridge Independent.