Older Wokingham residents are set to benefit from the annual Christmas Kindness Tree initiative, which was launched earlier this week.
Whilst for many, Christmas Day is a day for family, for getting together and celebrating with loved ones, for some people it is a difficult day where isolation, loss and grief are even more keenly felt.
For the 12th year running, The Link Visiting Scheme is planning to change that story for older people who are alone.
Seven locations throughout Wokingham town centre are hosting a Link Kindness Tree, where residents can choose a tag for a gift or a donation.
Liz McDaniel from The Link Visiting Scheme said; ‘For many of our Link Friends this may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.
“Donations will be vital in helping us run our social activities and Christmas Day lunch.”
When you choose a gift tag, depending on the tag you can scan a QR code to either
donate to the campaign, purchase a gift from The Link’s wish list on Amazon, or purchase a gift from a local business.
Unwrapped gifts need to be brought back to the business location before December 15.
The Christmas Kindness Trees can be found at: Wokingham Town Hall Information Centre, David Cliff Estate Agents on Peach Street, Fiona Parry Boutique in Elms Walk, Stitchery Do in Denmark Street, Maya’s Refillables in Peach Place, Phil’s Good Food in Broad Street and Nuffield Health Wokingham in The Plaza, Elms Field.
Liz added: ‘We want to thank Wokingham Town Council and all the businesses offering their support to the Kindness Tree 2023.
“The team at the Link really hopes that this new initiative will mean that no older person within Wokingham will go without this Christmas.”
Sally Gurney, Wokingham Town Mayor; ‘Being able to bring joy and a feeling of togetherness is rather special.
“The Link do this year-round, but at Christmas, when many of our older residents feel low and lonely, a gift or a donation via the Kindness Tree will not only enable The Link to offer Christmas activities, but will bring a smile, raise spirits, and ensure those who need support feel nourished and cared for.”
David Cliff, owner of David Cliff Estate Agents, added: “It’s so easy to be so blurred and hardened to what is going on in the world, that we often forget what people are going through on our very own doorstep.
“The Link Visiting Scheme Charity, as with all charities, does some incredible work looking after our local older people, and it was obvious that it was something we needed to get behind.”
Maya Gheorghe of Maya’s Refillables, said: “Link is a wonderful social bridge that keeps the community bond alive by enhancing the life of those who need help, and enriching the volunteers’ social experience.
“These are values we deeply support at Maya’s Refillables.”
Rebecca Laville, Stitchery Do, said: “Stitchery do is a small family run business and there’s nothing more important than supporting local businesses supporting local people.”
To find out more, including how to refer anyone you know who would love some extra company this festive session, visit www.linkvisiting.org/christmas.
