Businesses, schools, universities and community groups from across London joined together to give homeless and vulnerable people a Christmas to remember.  

For many of the people we work with, Christmas is the toughest time of year. Our Make it Christmas appeal aimed to bring some festive cheer to clients over the Christmas season.

More than 40 businesses and other organisations contributed to the effort, providing 500 gifts, 200 Christmas dinners and seven Christmas parties. Every hostel resident received a gift box - with over half personalised to a specific resident - to open on Christmas morning, full of toiletries, chocolate, festive treats and vouchers. And thanks to our supporters we were able to bring clients together to celebrate Christmas across all our services, from Lewisham in the South to Redbridge in the North, ensuring no one was left out.

Ruby Cassin-Davies, Office Manager for Criteo, who organised three days of Christmas parties for clients living in Islington, said: “By supporting SHP we can actually see where our money is making a difference, rather than just writing a cheque. When you see people enjoying themselves who may be facing difficulties in their lives, it’s priceless.”

Jackie, a client who attended one of the Islington parties, said: “You get to meet others and socialise and you realise there is hope out there for people.”

Agata Elliott, SHP’s Fundraising Manager, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the support for our Christmas appeal. It shows there is an enormous amount of goodwill out there among London businesses who want to make a difference for marginalised and vulnerable people in their community. For someone living in a hostel with no friends or family, having a gift to open on Christmas day, no matter how small, can give them hope and let them know they are not alone.”

As well as providing gifts and organising parties, companies and other organisations held 15 fundraising events, from bake sales and yoga sessions to carol singing and Christmas jumper days. The proceeds will go to our Year of Hope appeal, which aims to support clients with their recovery and make 2018 a turning point for even more homeless and vulnerable people.

Our Christmas in numbers:

• 500 present boxes donated.
• 61 personalised presents for young people living in hostels
• 200 Christmas dinners served across seven Christmas parties, including entertainment such as karaoke, raffles, visits from Santa, and charades.
• 270 coats and jackets provided to us by the WrapUpLondon campaign.
• A van and one enthusiastic driver who helped distribute all the gifts across London.
• Four bikes given to Syrian families being supported by our Refugee Resettlement Support service in Lambeth.

A big SHP thank you to all the corporate and community organisations involved including Travers Smith, Brewin Dolphin, 23Red, Criteo, SpaceLab, Mudano, ZipCar UK, ReFood, Videology, Arriva PLC, KDM Events, Financial Conduct Authority, Leesa, Lewis Silkin, BNP Paribas – London Legal Deparment, Dead Yogi’s Society, Carey’s Group, ABN Amro, Tideway, Eviivo, Greggs, The Brewery, City Harvest, Google, SMP, Curve Media, Verdantix, Brewdog, Sainsbury’s – Clerkenwell Store, Global Aerospace, Krow Communications, Content and Code, Zen, Blevins Frank, London Academy of Excellence, London SOAS RAG, Imperial College medical students, Woodside School Croydon, North Bridge House School Canonbury, London Business School Students, Camden Fellowship Church and St James' United Reformed Church Buckhurst Hill.

Are you a business who is interested in starting a corporate partnership with us? Find out more about becoming a corporate partner or get in touch with our fundraising team.