OUR 2025 CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

Written By Katie Dewsbury

Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many families in Glasgow’s East End it can bring extra stress and financial pressure. That is why our 2025 Christmas Campaign was all about spreading festive cheer and easing the burden for those who needed it most. 

This year, we focused on three main initiatives: Toy Appeal, Christmas Hampers, and Breakfast with Santa, plus a few extra events and food support to make sure no one was left behind.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

  • Toy Appeal: 3,562 gifts distributed, with over 700 children directly supported through our referral process.

  • Christmas Hampers: 150 hampers delivered to families and older people.

  • Breakfast with Santa: 27 children and 23 adults enjoyed a festive breakfast, gifts, and treats.

  • Volunteers: 474.5 hours of volunteer time made it all possible.

TOY APPEAL - EVERY CHILD DESERVES A FARE CHRISTMAS

The Toy Appeal was the heart of our campaign. Sadly, many children in our community face the reality of waking up on Christmas morning without a gift. With the cost of living crisis still hitting hard, we wanted to make sure as many children as possible experienced the magic of Christmas.

Our Giving Tree and drop-off point at the FARE Skills and Community Hub in Glasgow Fort made donating easy and visible. Thanks to this and the incredible support from local businesses, we collected thousands of gifts.

A special shout-out to Primark Glasgow Fort, whose in-store Giving Tree resulted in 1,251 bags filled with toys and warm clothing. This meant every child received not only a toy but also essential winter items.

In total, 3,562 gifts were distributed, with over 700 children directly supported through our referral process. Every gift represented more than a toy, it was a message of care and hope.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS - A LITTLE HELP GOES A LONG WAY

Our Christmas hampers gave vital support to families and senior citizens who were facing financial difficulties during the festive season. Each hamper included staple items such as pasta, rice, tinned food, and festive treats, enough to help families through one to two weeks.

To make sure support reached the people who would benefit most, we worked closely with:

  • Oakwood Primary, Saint Benedict’s Primary, and Sunnyside Primary, who each referred ten families they knew were struggling

  • Our community lunch groups and adult programmes, which helped us identify older people at risk of food insecurity or isolation

This meant every hamper was placed directly into the hands of someone who genuinely needed extra support over Christmas.

We are especially grateful to B-DACS, who donated and prepared 50 hampers, allowing us to extend our reach even further.

In total, 150 hampers were delivered to local families and senior citizens, offering not just food, but comfort, dignity, and peace of mind during the festive season.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - A FESTIVE FIRST

This year, we launched our first ever Breakfast with Santa event, a joyful and affordable celebration designed for families who might otherwise miss out on festive activities.

The event operated on a pay what you can approach to remove financial barriers. Families enjoyed a freshly prepared breakfast, creative Christmas crafts designed by our Employability Childcare students, and a visit from Santa himself. Every child received a gift, a selection box, and a Polaroid photo to take home. A free raffle ensured every family left with an extra treat.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses including James Ramsay, Ultimate Car Spa, B-DACS, Football Focused 1-2-1, and DFYNE Official, who together helped create a magical and memorable experience.

In total, 27 children and 23 adults attended, supported by 11 dedicated members of staff who volunteered their time to make the day special.

ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES

Beyond our main projects, we hosted a series of events to bring people together and ease festive pressures:

  • Carols Around the Campfire: Our first ever campfire carol event brought families together at the FARE Community Allotment for singing, marshmallows, and a cosy festive atmosphere.

  • Community Christmas Lunch: 46 people joined us for a warm, three-course festive meal before the holiday break.

  • Free Boxing Day Football at Stepford: On Boxing Day, we opened the Stepford pitches for free so families could enjoy a fun and active afternoon together. A huge thank you to Danny from Easterhouse FA, who volunteered his time to make sure the pitches could be open for the community.

  • Extra Food Support: We also delivered 160 additional food parcels using supplies from our Fare Share membership, helping families with essential items during the festive period.

VOLUNTEERS - THE HEART OF THE CAMPAIGN

Volunteers played a huge role in making this year’s Christmas efforts possible. From sorting gifts to delivering hampers, their kindness, energy, and commitment shone through.

Across the campaign, volunteers contributed 474.5 hours, showing just how much can be achieved when people come together for their community.

WRAPPING IT UP

The FARE Christmas Campaign 2025 highlighted what true community spirit looks like. Through donations, volunteering, and partnership support, we were able to ease financial pressures and bring joy to hundreds of families.

Every gift, hamper, and event helped strengthen connections, reduce isolation, and remind people that they are seen and valued.

To everyone who supported us, thank you. Your kindness made a real difference, and we cannot wait to continue this work together.

Katie Dewsbury