© Jonas Vincent / Unsplash
© Tim Mossholder / Unsplash
Another charity helping to tackle the above is The Salvation Army . This year they will be providing Christmas lunches and companionship to older people living alone , giving Christmas food parcels to families who are struggling to afford a proper Christmas lunch , and distributing toys to children whose parents are unable to afford presents this Christmas . Throughout the year , they battle to protect thousands of rough sleepers with nowhere to turn by developing a new initiative of nap pads providing hot food , blankets and hygiene kits , running drop-in day centres with access to specialist help and working with local authorities to seek alternatives to night shelter provision . This Christmas , take part in their Be a STAR ! initiative and fundraise to help isolated , desperate or hungry people this Christmas . From ‘ Star Trees ’, festive coffee mornings and Christmassy office outfits to running , crafting , festive ecards and carolling with The Salvation Army , there ’ s plenty of ideas , activities and resources you need to help spread joy this Christmas . Visit www . salvationarmy . org . uk to get involved .
Sadly , the pressure of this season doesn ’ t only affect humans . In 2023 , the cost for Blue Cross to rescue and rehome a dog is up to 37 % higher than in 2021 ; the cost for them to provide vaccinations for dogs has more than doubled since 2021 ; and in the first half of this year , the charity has seen 55 % more pets given up due to financial reasons than during the same period in 2022 . The RSPCA are expected to take more than 5,000 animals into their care in December , and expect over 61,000 calls to come through to their cruelty line , with over 900 of these being on Christmas Day . During this time , it is likely that inspectors will look into more than 2,000 complaints of abandonment and more than 5,000 complaints of neglect . Their dedicated team will be hard at work on Christmas Day working 24 hours a day rescuing animals – from pets to wildlife – and bringing them to safety .
SUPPORTING KENT ’ S CHARITIES AT CHRISTMAS
As well as all the classic ways we can fundraise with sponsored runs , swims , cake sales and skydives , there ’ s plenty of other ways we can support charities – especially at Christmas . insideKENT recommends getting involved with the local Kent branches of larger charities and smaller local charities that target Kent causes and help local people . Here are just some of the ways you can get involved this Christmas .
Join Pilgrims Hospices this December to remember lost loved ones for Trees of Love 2023
Pilgrims Hospices are inviting people across east Kent to dedicate a dove to the memory of loved ones , joining them for a remembrance service with carols . “ We know this time of year can be the hardest for those of us who have lost loved ones , so we offer the chance to pause and reflect together with others who understand ,” they said .
To take part , visit : www . pilgrimshospices . org or contact their Supporter Relations Team on 01227 782062 to dedicate a dove . You will then be invited to join the charity for the remembrance service at your choice of venue in Kent , at which they switch on the tree lights , and serve mulled wine , hot chocolate and warm mince pies . The beautiful doves will then remain on the illuminated ‘ Trees of Love ’, letting your memories shine throughout the festive season .
Another way to support Pilgrims Hospices at this time is by picking up your tree from our favourite food hall , Macknade . 5 % of the proceeds will go straight to Pilgrims Hospices , providing care and support to those living with an incurable illness . Each of the trees has been grown at Kent ’ s Hole Park Estate in Rolvenden . Ranging from potted trees to other varieties in a range of styles and sizes .
Become a ‘ Pet Pal ’ with your district ’ s RSPCA branch
When you set up a regular donation to your local RSPCA branch , you will become part of their ‘ Pet Pal ’ community and receive :
• A welcome pack .
• A quarterly update on everything happening at the rehoming centre .
• VIP invitations to open days and special events .
• Peace of mind that you ’ re helping to change the lives of vulnerable animals for the better .
Give someone a Kent Wildlife Trust gift
The Kent Wildlife Trust is the county ’ s leading conservation charity , protecting and improving habitats in the county ’ s countryside , coast and towns . They have lots of ways you can support them this Christmas , including :
• Adopt a species . From owls to seals ! ( As seen in our Kent Gift Guide on pages 69-71 ).
• Sponsor a herd of bison or have a bison ranger experience .
• Play the Kent Wildlife Trust lottery for just £ 2 a month and have the opportunity to win a cash prize . An annual ticket would make a great gift for a wildlife lover .
Dine at the Fifth Trust at Elham Valley Vineyard
The Fifth Trust , a Kent charity that supports adults with learning difficulties , will be serving Christmas lunch in the Vineyard Café between 21 November and 21 December . Choose two courses for £ 22.50 or three courses for £ 27.50 . As well as delicious food , there will be wine and festive drinks to keep you in a merry mood ! Booking is essential : email cafe @ fifthtrust . co . uk or call 01227 831266 .
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