The Magic of Christmas – Rachel

When we think of Christmas it can be such a different feeling for each of us. For many it’s a time of excitement, family, children, friends and celebrations creating new memories and gifts being exchanged. Not forgetting the magic of children getting so excited for what Santa may deliver.

But for some it can be a very difficult time of year for many reasons including loneliness, personal loss and the financial strain.

This year I have reflected not only on how wonderful Christmas is especially with 2 young children and a loving family but also how lucky to celebrate Christmas with them. Writing that all important Christmas wish list to send to Santa . But I have also reflected on the fact that many in the UK are not in the same position and with cost of living getting harder and more challenging to meet those basic everyday needs.

Having worked in an industry which provides facilities for the education sector for 10 years now, I am aware that there are so many children and families in poverty in the UK. Each family’s circumstance is different but after doing some further research on this it is so shocking to see that 30% of children living in the UK are living in poverty that is a terrifying number at 4.3million. With the cost of living going up, this number is potentially going to rise too.

For this very reason, I have always wanted to do something to help, and the only way to start is to just do something.  I chose to  organise a pre-loved toy shop in my local community, asking for toy donations so that we could sell them in a pop up shop. The donations and offers of support received were fantastic.

The day was a great success with lots of the local community coming together as one, we even had some visitors from slightly further afield. With the money raised we decided to make it go further by donating it to ‘The Guild of Friends for the Children’s Hospital’ in Bristol.

While nerve wracking as I have never organised anything like this, it was a great success, and we managed to raise £290 on the day with no cost other than time, and generous donations from some lovely people. The Churchill Methodist Church and Jacqueline Seal from the church were such a wonderful support during the organisation and very kindly gave us the space for free.

When we think of poverty, we can sometimes think this only happens in other countries, but the reality is it can be right on our doorstep, with children and families having to make decisions between a hot meal and a Christmas gift, or heating the house of feeding your family. In the facilities management world, it is not unheard of to hear of children coming into school on a Monday for breakfast club having not eaten all weekend.

Sansum Solutions Group Ltd have very generously matched the amount raised on the day making the total £580!  Jason Woodcock, Managing Director felt very strongly about doing this as it is such a great cause and an opportunity to support something local for the local community and also encourage recycling too. Quote “ We are happy to help raise more funds and reach more families that might appreciate the opportunity to purchase some gifts for their children at a price that means the worries of Christmas might be eased financially and also know their purchase will help another child in sick health. I am also delighted to see that so many of the Sansum Solutions Group team support with donations for Rachel too”.

I am truly grateful for all the support in this small event to do something good for those in need, and I believe this is what Christmas should be about, giving your time to help a greater cause than yourself.

When we really look closely, children don’t mind if a toy or a game is a little worn or not in a perfect box, it is society that has made us think that. So, when you are Christmas shopping this year, don’t put so much strain on making the gifts perfect and spending all your money, think about the joy in spending time with friends or family, or try to do a good deed that costs nothing and perhaps look out for the next pre-loved toy shop or donate something if you are able to. 

Thanks to all that have supported our event including Sansum Solutions Group.

Wishing all a prosperous New Year.

Rachel Ruff – Finance Director, Sansum Solutions Group.