For most people, the festive season is a wonderful time of year but amidst the parties and presents, it’s all too easy to forget that it can be an incredibly difficult and lonely time for those living in poverty or on the streets.

Here at HDY, we firmly believe that everybody deserves a magical Christmas. So, we’ve teamed up with local homeless charity Emmaus, to inject some festive cheer back into the lives of those less fortunate. 

We transformed our Digbeth office into a merry little workshop to create 20 Christmas boxes to be donated to the formerly homeless, now living at the Coventry and Warwickshire commune, funded by Emmaus. 

The HDY elves filled the boxes with thoughtful gifts including biscuits, books and pampering treats all to be opened on Christmas morning to add a touch of magic to their day. 

Each box contains a personalised and uplifting Christmas card – a small reminder that people are thinking of them during the festive period. 

Emmaus 

Emmaus is an incredible charity which helps people work their way out of homelessness by providing meaningful work, training, support and a stable home for as long as they need it. 

Sallie Winterbottom, partnership manager at Emmaus, says: “Donating Christmas gifts makes such a difference to people who, for all sorts of reasons, find their lives turned upside down. They will be feeling desperately lonely this Christmas and need people to show them a little kindness and understanding. 

“HDY’s generosity and support will help to put a smile back on their faces this Christmas – a simple thing can make such a huge difference!”

Charities at Christmas 

The festive period is the most important time of the year for charities with 50% of donations occurring in December. In this age of distraction, it can be difficult for charities to cut through the Christmas noise, especially in such a crowded market. 

The digital era has exposed consumers to round-the-clock notifications, information, adverts, and campaigns. In turn, traditional charity tactics have become diluted in a world where it’s easy to switch off from campaigns that make us feel guilty or sad. 

Instead, the most effective campaigns are clever, creative and above all, memorable – just like the Emmaus Christmas box appeal! 

Get involved 

Christmas is a time of giving and whether you’re a business, government organisation, individual or not-for-profit, there are loads of great ways to get involved and make a difference! 

For us, working with Emmaus to donate gifts has been a superb opportunity to get together to accomplish something amazing this Christmas. The HDY team have done an incredible job and we’re super proud of all the staff for getting involved. 

If you fancy doing something great this festive season, head over to the Emmaus website and see how you can help make a difference.