West Berkshire Council’s annual Giving Tree campaign has returned, inviting local residents to spread kindness and festive cheer by donating Christmas gifts to adults, children and families affected by domestic abuse.
Launching on 9 November, the Giving Tree forms part of the global White Ribbon Campaign, which works to end violence against women and children. The initiative sees West Berkshire Council partner with local domestic abuse services to provide gifts for adults and children who may otherwise go without at Christmas.
Last year, the campaign received more gifts than ever before, thanks to the generosity of local residents, businesses and community groups. Each gift helped bring comfort and joy to people who had experienced significant hardship and trauma.
Many recipients are rebuilding their lives after fleeing abusive situations and have often had to leave their homes and possessions behind. For some, the gift they receive through the Giving Tree may be the only one they receive this Christmas.
Councillor Heather Codling, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children and Family Services, said:
The Giving Tree is a simple but heartfelt way for our community to show people facing an incredibly difficult time that they are not alone. Many of the families supported through this campaign have had to leave their homes and belongings behind to escape abuse, and for some, this may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.
Every year, I am deeply touched by the kindness and generosity of residents, businesses and community groups across West Berkshire. If you are able to support the campaign, please pick up a tag and help bring comfort, joy and hope to a local family this festive season.
Alix Simpson, Chief Executive of Berkshire Women's Aid, added:
The Giving Tree makes a real difference to the women, children and families we support. Christmas can be an especially challenging time for those recovering from domestic abuse, particularly when they are rebuilding their lives after leaving everything behind.
The generosity of local people provides not only practical support, but also a powerful reminder that they are valued and not alone. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part and helps make Christmas brighter for families across Berkshire.
How to Get Involved
Each Giving Tree label contains anonymised information about the recipient, such as Girl aged 3-4 or Female Adult.
Labels can be collected from:
Newbury Library
West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury
Lambourn, Hungerford, Kennet, Willink and Cotswold leisure centres
Once a label has been chosen, supporters are asked to purchase a suitable gift and return it, together with a gift bag, to the same location or any of the other drop-off points listed above.
Gift bags are essential to the scheme. Any company or organisation that can donate gift bags is encouraged to contact West Berkshire Council.
The Giving Tree campaign will run from the 9th of November until the 4th of December.
The Giving Tree supports the Council's priority of helping vulnerable residents and strengthening communities by providing practical support to families rebuilding their lives following domestic abuse.
More information and details on how to take part can be found on the West Berkshire Council website.
