THE LORD MAYOR OF CANTERBURY'S CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND

Christmas Eve Open Air Community Carol Singing, Canterbury City Centre

24th December at 6.15pm

This annual event has become a much loved Christmas tradition in Canterbury. It is supported by thousands of residents, of all ages, making a fabulous start to Christmas for both the young and the young at heart!

What sits at the heart of the event…?

Few residents realise the crucial purpose of the carol concert is to raise funds for vulnerable and isolated members of the community, to provide them with a gift at Christmas, and is the biggest and most important event in our calendar.

These gifts, including supermarket vouchers and communal Christmas dinners, can provide a sense of connection at a time that can otherwise be isolating. For many, this fund makes the difference between a lonely Christmas and one where they feel remembered and cared for. Last year alone, the fund gave out around 450 gift vouchers, thanks entirely to voluntary donations.

Donations can be made through the collection at the carol concert or by clicking our link for ways to DONATE Online. Even a small gift can become part of a powerful act of community spirit that lights up Christmas for the most vulnerable and needy of Canterbury’s wider community.

If you haven’t been to the concert before, why not come along and join in the fun this year? It is an ideal “Family” occasion (approx. 1 hour duration) and we are confident that “Canterbury’s own carol” will remain a firm favourite with the crowds.

For countless people, the carol concert is their start to the Christmas festivities, but for those we support, they mean so much more: practical help and a reminder that they aren’t forgotten.

Who does the charity support?

The charity provides vouchers for supermarkets, Christmas dinners and gifts to local people facing hardship at Christmas in the Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable areas. Recipients include the elderly, families in need, and isolated, vulnerable individuals. Community workers, medical professionals, and local churches recommend recipients in order to ensure parcels reach those most in need. We continue to support many organisations including Maya’s Community Centre, Whitstable Umbrella Centre, Canterbury Early Years Project, Northgate Community Centre, Community Larder, Riverside Church, Prince of Wales Youth Club, IMAGO (Young Carers), St Thomas’ Catholic Church, and a number of local women’s refuges.

Every penny raised is used directly for these gifts, which are distributed in the Lord Mayor’s name. The organisation does not work directly with the council; they are independent.

Many people are facing increasingly difficult times, especially with added pressures at Christmas, which is why the need for the fund’s work is greater than ever this year. Organisers are urging concert attendees and city residents to give generously, even if you are unable to go to the event this year, and especially if you didn’t fully appreciate what your previous donations were used for.