Christmas is a key time for charities to get vital support through fundraising. 2020 has been a very difficult year, and charities have had to work hard to find alternative and imaginative ways. We want to support them by highlighting the great work they are doing, and showing you how to fundraise virtually!

Mid-Cheshire Hospitals Charity supports the excellent work of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by providing state-of-the-art equipment, new facilities and all the added extras that make people’s experience at our hospitals the best it can be. This year you can don your trainers and sign up for their virtual Merry Miles event! If you want something a little less energetic, you could also have a go in their fantastic Christmas Raffle or purchase a gift directly for one of their younger patients who will be spending the festive season in hospital through their Amazon Wish List. For those who are touched by the loss of a little life, you may want to support their ‘Lost Little Ones Tree of Lights’ where you can donate to light up their virtual tree.

IPWSO (International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation) helps people internationally access free diagnosis, information and local support. You can help IPSWO make a difference through lighting a lantern on their virtual tree here.

PANDAS are there to support every parent affected by perinatal mental illness. Small businesses supports Pandas by offering a percentage of their sales to the charity. Take a look at their online shop here for your Christmas gifts.

Hope House Children’s Hospice support more than 750 local families who are either caring for a terminally ill child, or whose child has died. If you would like to help you can join their Santa Dash where you can dig out your festive fancy dress, and run, jog or walk 2.5k or 5k straight from your doorstep this December or if you’re feeling lucky, have a go at their Christmas Raffle for just £1 a ticket and three amazing prizes – £6,000, £2,500, £1,500! (Draw date: Thursday 17th December)

St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice provide palliative care to local people. You can support them and have some fun by taking part in their great fun Pudding Race where you can sign up to take on a 5 or 10 mile run or walk with a Christmas Pudding theme!

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire manages numerous different funds with their own unique criteria, ensuring that there is a wide range of support for our communities across the counties of Staffordshire and Shropshire.You can support through their virtual Christmas card, their Surviving Winter Appeal or The Foundation Club

Nantwich Foodbank are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. You can choose them for your Amazon Smile charity which gives a donation each time you purchase from Amazon or donating food to be distributed to those in need. Click here for a list of local drop off points.

Neuro Therapy Centre provides support to people with long-term neurological conditions and their Carers. They have secured £10.000 of match-funding as part of The Big Give which will be used to support their Virtual Centre in the future. This means that from noon on 1st December until noon on 8th December, donations to their dedicated Big Give page will be doubled for free! If you are staying in, you and your family can take part in their online Christmas Movie and Quiz Night on Wednesday 2nd December at 7pm and their online Christmas Concert featuring local artists Matt Violet and The Last Minute on Saturday 5th December at 7.30pm.

The CVS Christmas Toy Appeal is run in aid of children supported by organisations in our community who are facing challenging times over the festive season, children who might otherwise go without at Christmas. 

Visyon is a charity that supports the emotional health of children, young people and their carers. You can support their Christmas Appeal or choose them as your Amazon Smile charity of choice. There are many ways you can pledge to help including donating through their Amazon Wishlist or making a donation. Find out more here.

The Gingerbread Centre in Stoke keeps homeless families together by providing suitable, temporary accommodation and support. You can support them through their Message on a Bauble appeal to help raise vital funds.

If you know of any others or would like to be included please email alison@jg-creative.co.uk