It’s nearly the festive season, so it’s also time for our annual gift drive for Solace Women’s Aid. Indeed, it will be our seventh year of Message In A Bauble and we are really happy that you all are planning ahead as are we! The generosity of spirit is clearly alive and well in our beloved Stoke Newington.
Please remember them when you’re out ticking off your lists this season. Our collection begins on 19 November and runs through to mid-December.
We ask you to bring in a gift suitable for a woman or child to add to our collection. Every gift helps women and children fleeing domestic violence, those for whom holiday shopping is not only a luxury but could be a threat to safety.
The brief is easy: baby supplies, children’s toys, women’s toiletries and holiday/celebration food items. We can only take NEW gifts, in their original packaging. Gifts should not be wrapped, although the volunteers at Solace say please send gift wrapping supplies too and feel free to include notes of inspiration.
Every Bauble Wins a Prize
In exchange for your gift, you will be able to choose a Beaucatcher Bauble from our Christmas tree which will have a special gift for you to say thank you for helping. The baubles contain free haircuts, money-off vouchers for hair services and products, and much more.
Solace Women’s Aid is a London-based charity with a primary focus on helping women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. They help over 5,000 women and children, survivors of violence each year. Solace manage 14 refuges across London providing safe accommodation and ongoing support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the capital. More often than not, women seeking refuge for themselves and their children don’t have the luxury of time to prepare for going into shelters. Even during the holidays, packing basics to take along may not be an option, much less so Christmas gifts for kids. By facilitating this collection we hope to provide some holiday joy to women and children who are in just such a situation.
Solace supports women and their children for whom Christmas shopping could be a life-risking event, so your gift can help these families have a brighter holiday. When you are doing your own shopping, please think to include something for Solace.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic violence or sexual abuse, or if you want to read more about Solace Women’s Aid, please check out their website.
