A different way to do Christmas shopping is being held in town
SUPPORTERS of an alternative giftgiving scheme in Hinckley are hoping to encourage more people to “do Christmas differently” this year.
AlterNativity allows people to help good causes at home and abroad by buying gifts of care, equipment or support in the name of a loved one who might otherwise receive an unwanted or unnecessary present.
This year’s scheme will be launched by the mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, at Hinckley United Reformed Church in The Borough on Saturday November 11 where the virtual gifts will be on sale between 10am and 2pm.
After that, a mail order service will run from St Peter’s Priory on Leicester Road until December 10.
Since it was set up in 2006, Hinckley AlterNativity has donated more than £108,000 worth of gifts and generated more than £10,000 in Gift Aid for local, national and international causes helping some of most needy children, adults and families across the borough and around the world.
This year, organisers are hoping more people will make the scheme their first choice for Christmas giving, benefitting even more people who might otherwise go hungry, lack shelter, support or life-enhancing opportunities, including many close to home.
Among this year’s beneficiaries are Hinckley Homeless Group, which runs Lawrence House for homeless young people, and The Vine coffee shop and Christian bookshop in The Borough, which is offering meals and hot drinks for a people in need.
Further afield, Leicester-based charities Feed The Hungry and Inter Care Ltd offer aid to people in crisis or poverty in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Health care causes that can be supported include Hinckley and District branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
A special gift list has been drawn up for children who would like to help other youngsters at Christmas, with a range of specially designated gifts, many of which cost £5 or under.
Gift cards explaining what has been donated in their name are given to the donor’s chosen recipients.
Father Frank Daly of St Peter’s RC Church, who helps to co-ordinate the scheme, said: “There is always a fantastic atmosphere at the event and it is so wonderful that we can share together in the common goal of helping the needy and therefore spreading good news and Christmas joy.”
As the scheme’s launch will be held on Armistice Day, a two-minute silence will be observed from 11am. For a full list of gifts, prices and more information visit hinckley-alternativity.org.uk