"Instead of taking this Christmas, why not give?"

Saturday 22 December 2018

A special initiative that flipped the idea of an advent calendar on its head has resulted in two huge piles of gifts for the Women's Refuge and homeless charity Sanctuary Trust.

The 'reverse advent calendar' scheme was set up by Liberty Bus to encourage people to do their bit for local charities this Christmas. People were asked to donate items to those who may need it most over the festive period.

Two local charities were on the receiving end of the donated gifts – the Women’s Refuge, and the Sanctuary Trust. A ‘wish list’ of items was made, where DVDs, toys, clothing, bedding, toiletries and tinned sweets and biscuits were encouraged.

Pictured: Items donated to the Women's Refuge.

Lisa Walker, Marketing and Communications Manager of Liberty Bus said: “The scheme has been really successful, we put a poster on the buses and posted it on the website and the staff and loads of customers were involved. We saw the idea for the reverse advent calendar online and liked that instead of taking this Christmas, why not give?

“We’ve asked for basics and things that they need, as well as things they can use as Christmas gifts. We want to do it every year and people like to get involved.”

Liberty Bus are hoping to use the reverse advent calendar scheme to make a difference to the chosen charities and the community this Christmas.

Marine Oliveira from the Women’s Refuge said: “We never cease to be amazed at the kindness and generosity of the community in Jersey. Their support allows women and children to have a festive Christmas and New Year, it means the world that we’re able to provide a cheerful atmosphere around this time.

“Despite hardship, the women and children are going to have a wonderful Christmas.”

The Women’s Refuge is a charity set up to provide a safe place for women and children to go if they are victims of domestic abuse, and the Sanctuary Trust support men in Jersey who have reached a crisis in their lives, whether that be homelessness, mental health issues or domestic violence.

Pictured: Items donated to the Sanctuary Trust.

Brett Cutts from the Sanctuary Trust added: “It’s our mission to provide support and hope to men who need it in the community and the gifting is a real reminder that everyone in the community cares. We’re going to wrap the presents to make them feel like they haven’t been forgotten.

“Thank you to everyone, it means an awful lot as we are a small charity, so this is really significant.”

For those still interested in donating, the Liberty Bus team is still accepting items and will pass them on to the two charities.

Both the Women’s Refuge and the Sanctuary Trust are open throughout the Christmas period, 24 hours a day. The helpline for the Women’s Refuge is 01534 768368, while islanders can contact the Sanctuary Trust by calling 01534 743732.