We are delighted to announce that we will be part of a unique advent calendar for Christmas 2019 alongside 23 other charities that will appear in John Lewis & Partners stores across the country.
Last year the celebrity-endorsed social enterprise Advent for Change launched the first-of-its-kind charity advent calendar. By the end of 2018 the movement had raised £100,000 for its 24 chosen charities and even received an award from the Prime Minister in recognition of outstanding contribution to charitable causes.
This year the calendar is returning, and we are proud to join the Advent of Change movement as part of their premium Advent Calendar for 2019.
Each day of this alternative advent calendar represents a £1 donation and describes how that gift could be used, giving the recipient a ‘feel-good feeling’ when they see exactly how they have helped – for us that’s offering a long-term home to a homeless person.
Advent of Change started with one person, and a little idea: to take a product built to receive and reverse its purpose to give instead – an idea that quickly captured the imagination of others.
The inventive social enterprise caught the attention of John Lewis & Partners who will, once again, be stocking the calendar in stores and online. Dan Cooper, Partner and Head Christmas Buyer at John Lewis & Partners said:
“In my role, I get to see some really interesting and exciting new products, but the Advent of Change advent calendar really stood out to me as an incredibly innovative way of giving back during the festive season.”
Sallie Winterbottom, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Emmaus said, “Partnering with Advent for Change is a great way for people to give a little back at Christmas. Not only will this wonderful and innovative idea raise vital funds for Emmaus UK, but it will also increase awareness of how Emmaus offers something different to other homelessness organisations with people who may not already be familiar with us.”
The Premium Advent Calendar is available to buy online via the Advent of Change website and John Lewis & Partners, as well as instore at John Lewis across the country. The calendar costs £29.95 with more than 80% of the sale price of this product going directly to charity – £1 going to each charity per calendar. That’s £1 to us for each one sold.
Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and posts on social media over Christmas if you have purchased an Advent of Change advent calendar.