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Make a difference: Give a gift to a lonely elderly person this Christmas

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Join Humanity Hallows in support of the ‘Be a Santa To A Senior‘ festive campaign to give a gift to local elderly people alone this Christmas.

Donate £2 to our crowdfunding campaign at JustGiving.com


By Campbell Bishop


No doubt you’re in the midst of your Christmas shopping, getting caught up in the crowds of consumers, admiring all the seasonal decorations and markets that spruce up the streets this time of year. Perhaps you’re looking forward to a break from studying, preparing to drink even more than your usual intake, and getting ready to go back home to be warmly welcomed by your family. But spare a thought for the elderly at this time of year; for many elderly people in Manchester, Christmas can be a lonely, miserable occasion. However, you can make a big difference.

Humanity Hallows is embracing the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ campaign and we want you to get involved in any way you can. ‘Be a Santa’ is a wonderful initiative that brightens up the lives of many elderly people in the local area, who would otherwise be left behind at Christmas. The aim is simple. We want everyone to receive a gift and a card. We want everyone to feel appreciated. That’s why Humanity Hallows is encouraging your contribution. It doesn’t have to be much – even a small card or gift can make someone smile.

Make a cash donation

We are crowdfunding and will be using all funds raised to buy special treats, cards and gift wrapping materials. You can donate £2 via our JustGiving page: Be a Santa to a Senior.

Donate a gift

Here are some of the items we are looking for, small things that will bring a small sparkle of joy to an older person in our local community:

  • Sweets
  • Chocolates
  • Biscuits
  • Books
  • Crossword and puzzle books
  • Colouring books and craft materials
  • Calendars
  • Diaries
  • Hats, gloves and scarves
  • Pamper gift sets
  • Festive cards

Anything you can spare is truly appreciated; you might be able to buy an item at the Union Shop with your Met card.

Manchester Met gift donation point: Room 2.12, Geoffrey Manton Building, M15 6LL

Cake and Card Sale

Keep an eye out for our festive Cake and Card sale in the Geoffrey Manton Atrium on Thursday 7th December, 9am-12.30pm. RSVP via Facebook and get in touch if you’re able to support the stall with your baking skills!

Christmas Crafternoon

You can also join us for our ‘Christmas Crafternoon’ on Wednesday 6th December 1pm-2pm in GM235, where we will decorate and wrap up all the donated gifts. We will also be writing and delivering as many Christmas cards as we can – as it’s the thought that really counts. RSVP via Facebook.

In an age of cardboard commercialism, rediscover the true meaning of Christmas – spare a thought, make a difference.

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Campbell Bishop

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