CHRISTMAS The season of goodwill
Enshrined in benevolence and generosity, caring, sharing and supporting people is what charitable causes do all year round.
But when it comes to the season of goodwill that is the Christmas period, our fantastic local groups and organisations dedicate even more time, energy and commitment to make sure everyone has the best time possible and remind the rest
of us how important it is to consider others at this time of year. Here are just some of the highlights of what’s happening near you and how you can get involved in the amazing work being carried out to spread some festive cheer.
From homeless to hopeful with royal approval
It’s been another busy and productive year for Shiloh Rotherham which supports people who are homeless or vulnerable to live independent lives.
Making Christmas memories
Christmas means different things to different people but at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice it’s all about making special memories. Bluebell Wood certainly knows how to add some Christmas sparkle. It can create magical winter wonderlands, arrange for Santa Claus to drop by (even if it’s not Christmas Eve) and share a mince pie with a mum at 3am who just needs to talk.
And anyone who buys its specially created cards, gift wrap or diaries can add to that sparkle for the 290 families that the hospice cares for, some of whom will be spending their last Christmas together. For the fourth year running, talented South Yorkshire artist Margaret Ellis has taken on the meaningful task of designing these fundraising cards and has drawn
on the local area for seasonal inspiration. This year’s designs feature two original scenes of Clumber Park with its picturesque chapel near the edge of the lake and that much-loved pastime of wrapping up warm and feeding the resident ducks.
These cards always go down a storm with Bluebell Wood supporters so make sure you get yours quick!
There’s also a range of gorgeous glittering cards for friends and family to choose from as well as cute, colourful cards for your young relatives and children’s classmates.
All the card packs cost £3 (plus postage and packaging) and come in packs of ten. You can spread some Christmas cheer and make a difference by placing your order today at
www.bluebellwood.org/shop.
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Since 1992, Christian charity Shiloh has continued to serve those in need and, as its biblical name suggests, offers a welcome place of refuge to people of all beliefs. Now based in spacious, specially converted premises in the old Weighbridge building on Station Road, the organisation provides solace and support all year round for three days a week.
Along with serving up hot food and offering a warm shower, Shiloh also has a laundry service and clothing bank along with health care advice to provide some comfort to rough sleepers.
Understanding the barriers the homeless may face while trying to find their way off the streets, Shiloh also offers mentoring and training as well as signposting service users to help with housing and benefits advice in the hope they can progress towards a brighter future. Due to the impact and dedication its volunteers have shown over the past 25 years, Shiloh recently
scooped the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year - a rare and coveted honour bestowed only to organisations that do outstanding work in their communities. They are only the second Rotherham-based charity to receive this award in the past ten years.
While they currently help around 40 people a day, these numbers will surely rise this December when Shiloh holds its Christmas Eve lunch with the backing of numerous local supporters, a bank of 43 hardworking volunteers and a handful of dedicated staff including the Mayor of Rotherham. Of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without the customary giving of gifts which has also been taken care of by the good people of Rotherham and beyond thanks to timely and welcome donations of presents galore.
Shiloh is open 9.30am to 12.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and is always on the look-out for volunteers to help man this vital service in Rotherham. You can contact them on 01709 559504 or find out more at
www.shilohrotherham.org.uk
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