For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and appreciation for what we have. We spend time with our loved ones, eat amazing food and give beautiful gifts. But for those doing it tough, the festive season is often challenging, stressful and isolating. That’s why Christmas is the perfect time to give back to our community and embrace the joy of giving. Here are 3 ways to give back this Christmas.

Support Christmas Charities and Appeals with Donations  

There are so many charities doing wonderful work in our local communities by providing gifts and food to those in need. A small donation can go a long way in providing hope and joy to those who are struggling. You can give gifts, money, food, or vouchers. Here are some charities to donate to at Christmas.

• ‍Big Group Hug  
• ‍The Smith Family
• ‍VACCA
• ‍Share the Dignity
• ‍Samaritan’s Purse
• ‍Variety
• ‍Starlight Children’s Foundation
• ‍Berry Street
• ‍Salvation Army
• ‍OzChild
• ‍Youth Off the Streets

Get Involved in Christmas Volunteering

Local charities rely on volunteers to help with the increased demand for services in the lead-up to Christmas. There are even opportunities to volunteer on Christmas Day at places such as soup kitchens, nursing homes and animal shelters. You can help by:

• Sorting and distributing gifts
• Preparing and serving meals
• Visiting any vulnerable friends, neighbours or those in the community who are lonely or disconnected
• By donating blood  

If you’re unable to volunteer your time in person, there are many charities that require volunteers to run their phone or text support services, which you can do from home.

Buy Gifts that Give Back

There are many ways we can give back to the community through our gift buying this festive season.  

• Support small local businesses, instead of buying from the big retail giants.
• Buy eco-friendly or sustainable gifts.  
• Buy a subscription or season package to support the arts community.
• Buy social enterprise or charity merchandise.  
• Purchase gifts from companies that do good by donating proceeds to worthy causes.
• Adopt or sponsor an animal – whether it be a pet for the home, or wildlife at the Zoo.

Giving gifts brings just as much, if not more, joy than receiving them. So, this festive season, consider how you can spread the holiday cheer.  

Talk to the Be BlueRock Foundation About Your Giving Strategy

Through our experience setting up the Be BlueRock Foundation, we’ve worked through the steps involved in developing a giving strategy, and we’re now using this as the blueprint to help our individual, family and business clients set up their own philanthropic strategies. Get in touch with us if you’d like to learn more.