A community initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to raise £6000 through community donations which will fund the delivery of 120 hampers to families across the borough who are struggling this Christmas.
Shepherd’s Star, a Richmond based charity, is asking locals to support fundraising efforts for their annual Christmas initiative in partnership with Achieving for Children and the Chelsea Foundation.
What is inside the hampers you may ask? Everything needed for families to celebrate a traditional Christmas, including pantry essentials, fresh produce such as vegetables and meat, as well as some lovely festive puds and treats, finished off with Christmas crackers for the kids to enjoy.
Each box is carefully packed and delivered by volunteers to families facing financial hardship, who are identified through Achieving for Children and other frontline agencies.
The boxes ensure enough food for Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and, of course, the main spread.
This year, to increase their reach to more families than previously thought possible, Shepherds Star have teamed up with local businesses, residents and the Chelsea Foundation as part of their Magic of Blue Campaign.
The Foundation are campaigning against loneliness in London over the festive period, focussing on bringing people together and spreading kindness at a time of year where some report feeling intensely lonely.
Laura Cordingley, CEO of the Chelsea Foundation, said: “Organisations such as Shepherd’s Star know how to support people who are experiencing isolation and hardship, and that’s why it was so important for us to collaborate with them on our Magic of Blue Campaign.
“Our role is to lean in and support the incredible work they’re already doing. By coming together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts.
“Smaller charities often go unsung and unseen, so as a club, we’re proud to help raise awareness and share with our fans the amazing work happening locally.”
Shepherds Star is a charity dedicated to decreasing levels of isolation, social anxiety and empowering adults to overcome challenging times.
They arrange community initiatives, as previously reported by SW Londoner, such as a winter wardrobe scheme as well as weekly ‘Good Friday’ events and a monthly ‘Table of Hope’, which provide isolated adults with a safe warm space to socialise and enjoy a warm meal.
The Volunteer-led initiative began four years ago when Shepherds Star was inspired by residents in their local community to launch a Christmas funding campaign, supporting families in need over the festive period.
Desiree Shepherd, Director and Co-founder of Shepherd’s Star, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the support of Chelsea Foundation for our 2025 Christmas Box campaign.
“This collaboration will enable us to reach even more families who might otherwise struggle to celebrate Christmas.”
Donations can be made online via the Shepherds Star Just Giving link.
Featured image credit: Shepherds Star
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