Dozens of children and residents who are spending the festive season in safe, temporary accommodation have received early Christmas presents through Hammersmith & Fulham's gift appeal.
The annual festive fundraiser for survivors of domestic abuse was made possible thanks to donations from local businesses across the borough.
Gifts included warm winters clothes, sanitary products, and brand new toys, as well as vouchers and day passes to the BBC Earth exhibit in Earl's Court.
The donations were selected based on feedback from residents who received presents in last year's gift drive.
"It was really special receiving something new and knowing that it was picked up specifically with me in mind," said Maria (not their real name), 40.
From the community, for the community
Donations flooded in from local businesses and organisations across the borough, including Hammersmith-based entertainment giant Disney, the Met Police and H&F Council staff.
"Thanks to local businesses, we've once again raised a fantastic selection of gifts," said Cllr Emma Apthorp, H&F Lead Member for Women and Girls.
"Their generosity will make all the difference for survivors this winter. Thank everyone who took the time to donate."
The donations were delivered by officers from H&F's Law Enforcement Team, to charities who support H&F families 365 days of the year.
Between 2022 and 2023, more than 780 residents were supported by H&F's domestic abuse partner organisation, the Angelou Service. Most cases included support for children.
Residents can access free and confidential support via the Angelou website.
Hear from our supporters:
No children should be left without the joy of opening a present on a day like Christmas. Every year we decide to either do food donation, clothes donation, and this year when we saw that there was a possibility to donate toys, we didn’t hesitate.
Our employees donated gifts sets, new clothes, and toiletries. We have a strong belief in assisting charities in the local community, especially when given a chance to uphold the Christmas spirit, while spreading joy to people in need.
Our thanks go to Kingtex Group, a textile design and manufacturing specialist based here in Hammersmith, who had a number of unworn, cosy winter garments which we arranged to be donated to local shelters and charities.
We are so pleased to be able to facilitate donations with Hammersmith’s businesses, who we know are always willing to support our local community year-round.
Our great businesses have donated gifts and we’d like to say thank-you to them and to H&F for leading on such a worthwhile cause. They’ve had a tough year with the cost of doing business increasing, but they recognise that our community is what will help our high street to survive.
