This December, families around the world are preparing for one of the most celebrated festive occasions of the year – Christmas.
Originally a Christian festival marking the famous birth of Jesus Christ, the date has sky-rocketed up in both social and commercial popularity across the world. Usually marked with lavish decorations, costumes, traditional lunches and generous gift swapping, Christmas is the one annual celebration that over two thirds of British families loyally celebrate every year.
Gift swapping over the years has moved from a more traditional, “clementine’s-in-stockings”, during the Victorian period, to a more heavily commercial based; “arms-race” in expensive clothing, toys, beauty products and home décor.
However, for many families across Britain, Christmas can prove to be a difficult time of the year, not only financially, but emotionally too.
Bromley Brighter Beginnings is a charity based in Bromley which is run by mostly female volunteers who work tirelessly around the clock to provide emotional support, financial security, essential items, and advice to families in need all year round.
In preparation for Christmas this year, Bromley Brighter Beginnings successfully managed to collect donated Christmas gifts for all ages from across local schools and organisations such as Brownies and Guides. Donations included gifts such as beauty products, fluffy pyjama sets, chocolate selections and board games!
All these gifts were hand packed into basket sets on Saturday 18th November and were soon delivered to families across the local area most in need for Christmas.
The charity also works throughout the year, mainly supporting expectant mothers and families with young children in desperate need of essential items that most take for granted.
In July this year, 54 families with 78 children were helped, including donations of 40 beds/cots, 6 new-born packs and 5 buggies.
Parents receiving the donations can now relax, knowing that their children will wake up to find full stockings on December 25th full of excitement and surprise.
There are plenty of other NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organisations) that exist on a more national and sometimes international level too, including: The Royal British Legion, Salvation Army and Oxfam. Charities like these, especially lesser-known ones such as Bromley Brighter Beginnings depend on public support and funding.
So, before you dig into your tasty Christmas feast on the 25th, make sure to thank all the charities that help support others just like you in your community!
