Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to this year’s Christmas Project.  Each year we set off with several unanswered questions.  Will we have enough volunteers to help those people referred to us?  Will we have enough money – and at the right time?  The number of volunteers this year was a record high at 92 (82 last year) plus 8 people who held themselves in reserve for last minute referrals.  

We were particularly pleased to welcome 17 completely new volunteers this year.  The agencies referred more single people and fewer families to us this year.  We were able to help 31 families (35 last year) which included 51children (69 last year), plus 15 young people and 15 single people (8 last year).

Each family, single person and group of young people was helped by a pair of volunteers.  In some cases the agencies also helped our volunteers with manpower when it was essential for the family’s needs.   The project could not work without the dedication of our volunteers who come from many Winchester churches (and none) so we are very grateful indeed to them.

A range of local agencies refer people to the Project including A2 Dominion Care and Support, Hampshire Children’s Services, Trinity Centre Women’s Services, Homestart and The Women’s Refuge.   Each visit is different as each situation requires different help and understanding.  Volunteers can be very resourceful in making the most of the funds available and their efforts are much appreciated by all concerned.  This year, among other things, we have bought second-hand furniture, essential food supplies, a carpet, topped up gas and electricity keys and bought Christmas presents and food.  Each family is free to choose (within a certain sum) what will make a difference to them.  Sometimes the money is almost incidental – knowing that someone is prepared to spend time and take the trouble to listen can make a great deal of difference.

At the time of writing (mid-January) we have received just over £8,000 from many churches and individuals.  Over Christmas the Project has given out just over £6,000 (subject to minor adjustment as final expenses are dealt with) and we will also be able to fund some outings in the summer.  Thank you very much indeed to everyone who donated so generously to the Project.

For several years we have funded some outings (organised by the same agencies) later in the year.  Last summer these were to Marwell Zoo, Manor Farm and The Lookout at Bracknell for families and also a session at Calshot Activities Centre for young people.   These outings can be the highlight of the year and much enjoyed by everyone.

Caroline Ward (my fellow Co-ordinator) and I would like to record our thanks to Margaret Curtis who has recently stepped down as Treasurer of the Christmas Project after several years.  We have been most fortunate in having her considerable expertise to rely on.  Jessica Tringham has kindly stepped in to replace Margaret and has been extremely busy over the last three months! We are so grateful to her.   We would also like to thank Ian Giles who has acted as Independent Examiner for our accounts for the past twelve years and has also stepped down.  I know that as Treasurer Margaret has greatly appreciated Ian’s guidance and the essential precise and detailed work he has done for the Project.  Thank you so much Ian.

Thank you again to everyone who was involved in this year’s Christmas Project.