We are delighted today to launch our eighth annual “Sleigh2Give” appeal, and in the same month that we officially turned 15.
Sleigh2Give has launched in what is a milestone year for both our organisation but also for our Founder Andy Baker who marked twenty years of charitable giving this February.
Sleigh2Give is our festive arm and each year since being launched in 2015 has just grown, and grown, and grown into a much-loved festive drive.
Every year Sleigh2Give just receives more and more support and the number of donations in gifts just increases.
Last year, despite the ongoing impact of Coronavirus it was a record appeal, as we were still giving out gifts well into March this year.
Thousands of gifts raised, worth over ÂŁ220,000, have been distributed and donated out over the years to numerous organisations and individual families and children in need.
Originally born as a one-off Christmas appeal with Sainsbury’s in Didcot to collect and deliver a few sacks full of toys to children in hospital, has turned into a hugely popular and warmly loved festive drive.
Spreading cheer, joy and smiles is what Sleigh2Give is all about and we are so privileged each year to receive such heart-warming support and generosity from our local community to help ensure that no poorly child, that no child less fortunate, and that no one less privileged goes without a toy or a gift at the most special time of the year.
From school children to office workers to supermarket shoppers to local businesses, and even army regiments and dance teachers the support this appeal each year receives is truly staggering, and this year we hope for yet another wonderful response.
Organisations this year who will receive amazing gifts thanks to our generous public will include; Oxford Children’s Hospital including the Horton children’s ward in Banbury and critical care, SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents), Helen & Douglas House, Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Foster Care Association, Thomley, Viking House in Oxford, Markers for Mindfulness, Home-Start Oxford and Didcot Foodbank are amongst just some including referrals we receive who will receive a sprinkling of festive cheer.
Donation drop off zones are still being confirmed but some include: Space Store in both the Orchard Centre Didcot and The Covered Market Oxford, branches of The Crafters Emporium in Kidlington, Faringdon and Oxford High Street, Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South Hotel on Milton Gate near Didcot and The Lambourn on Abingdon business park. We will also be in Tesco’s Didcot with the sleigh from November 24th-26th.
And at the Didcot Festive Market (on 4th December only) you will be able to drop off your gifts at our stall outside Cineworld. More drop off zones to be announced.
Want to get involved and support? Be a sponsor? Want to be a donation point? Want to help volunteer? Please do get in touch with us or visit the appeal webpage.