Give a ‘Gift for Good’ this Christmas with the YMCA and change someone’s life

YMCA Robin Hood Group has launched its “Gift for Good” Christmas campaign, inviting people to make a monetary donation of any value that could change the life of a child in the care system.
Donations from the Gift for Good scheme could go towards funding scholarships for low-income families and provide cooking lessons to people who have experienced homelessness. Funds could also help to finance supported housing, offer support and therapy to children in care and train mentors for young girls at risk of developing mental health issues, alongside other vital services provided by the YMCA.
A Gift for Good can be purchased by an individual or could be made in somebody else’s name, making it a perfect present for shoppers looking to buy a more meaningful present this festive season. In addition, any donations made between 29th November and 6th December will be matched via The Big Give scheme.
Donations of any value from £1 upwards can be made and specific Gift for Good packages could help to fund the following:
● £10: Help people in supported housing: £10 can help the YMCA to provide cooking lessons to young people who have experienced homelessness
● £15: Contribute to the Y’s Girls programme: A £15 gift can help the YMCA to train skilled mentors for girls aged 9-14 at risk of developing mental health issues
● £25: Fund children in care: £25 offers support and therapeutic activities to children in the YMCA’s 8 family-style homes located around Nottinghamshire
● £50: Buy a scholarship: £50 offers scholarships to low-income families, providing access to a holiday camp, childcare, or nursery for those who could not otherwise have the chance
With costs starting from £50, there is also the opportunity to dedicate a walkway stone at the new YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark.
Families, friends, businesses or community groups can make a donation to the charity in return for a personalised stone that is engraved with a personal message and set in the pathway at the Village, providing a permanent keepsake for the recipient.
The cost of a walkway stone depends on the amount of text and size of stone, with the option to purchase a duplicate stone to be sent to the recipient as a gift for them to display in their own home or garden.
The charity is also asking the local community for presents for people in the YMCA’s care. Businesses or individuals who want to donate gifts can drop them off at any YMCA site across Nottinghamshire. A list of recommended gifts and drop-off locations can be found at: https://www.nottsymca.com/news/drop-off-a-present/
Craig Berens, CEO, YMCA Robin Hood Group, said: “The cost of living crisis means people need our help more than ever before this Christmas. From as little as a £1 donation, you could make a lasting difference to the life of a young or vulnerable person, and every pound helps us to continue in our mission to give young people the chance to discover who they are and what they could become.
“Whether you are making the donation in your own name or as a present for a loved one, every single £1 spent will help. A Christmas present is often associated with temporary pleasure – consumables, experiences, and so on. Our Gift for Good campaign has a singular purpose – to give something that lasts a lifetime, such as support for housing, mental health, skills development, and providing life-changing opportunities.”
Further details and links for donations can be found at: https://www.nottsymca.com/gift-for-good/