Work Christmas party cancelled? Here’s 3 ways we can help
Christmas drinks called off? Working from home? Read on to find out how companies are finding a better way to bring colleagues together this Christmas while making a difference
Headlines and email inboxes are full of the news: cancelled Christmas parties and orders to work from home.
For some this will be a great disappointment, for others it may be a relief amidst covid uncertainty. However you’re feeling, there could still be a way to celebrate the season with your colleagues.
From virtual Secret Santa charity gifting, to donating Christmas party tickets, companies are making the best of a challenging situation while - all while making a meaningful impact for a good cause.
While workplace gatherings may be off the cards for some, if yours is cancelled, there could be a silver lining.
Last year, Turner & Townsend sadly had to cancel their Christmas party because of covid restrictions. In place of the party they generously decided to gift over £21,000 to Action for Children on behalf of all their staff.
With the pandemic far from over, this year Turner & Townsend once again had to make the difficult decision not to host a staff Christmas event. Instead, they’re giving every member of staff the choice of a voucher or a £50 donation to Action for Children made on their behalf.
While staff may not be able to get together in person as easily, there are still ways to bring people together and boost morale at this time of year.
That’s exactly what Iceland Foods have done: turning a whopping 30,000 members of staff into Secret Santas for a vulnerable child. With a £10 donation on each of their behalf made by Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation (IFCF) to our campaign, it means that Iceland colleagues each know they’re making a difference by helping keep children safe and happy this Christmas.
As our Lead Partner for Secret Santa for a second year, Iceland have really embodied the campaign. Iceland’s Trading Director and IFCF Trustee Paul Dhaliwal said, “the thought that over four million children could be going hungry and cold at this time of year is unbearable.
"But we know that Action for Children are doing something about this and we are so proud to be working with them to make a real difference to the lives of children and families across the UK.
“I know Action for Children will work tirelessly to ensure this money helps those who need it most and I’m delighted that Iceland’s charitable foundation can help make that happen”
With lots of staff ordered to work from home, the traditional office ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange may be off the cards.
That may not be such a bad thing (who needs another novelty mug?) but staff may miss the gesture of being able to exchange gifts in the workplace.
Why not give a more meaningful gift and take part in Secret Santa with Action for Children instead?
There’s a choice of virtual gifts, from food and essentials, to a trip to visit Santa. There’s even the option to personalise a virtual gift certificate to send to colleagues over email – a safe and hassle-free way to give a gift with meaning.
For most of us the festive season is a happy time. But there are children all over the UK who face a very different Christmas. A Christmas without food, warmth or love.
Together with Action for Children, we can change this. Become a Secret Santa with us and give a gift that could help a vulnerable child.
Our corporate team is ready to speak to you about how to engage staff while making a meaningful impact this Christmas. Contact them now: [email protected]
