Mayor backs festive gift-giving scheme
AN ALTERNATIVE Christmas gift-giving scheme run by churches in Hinckley has been given the backing of the borough’s first citizen.
Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Ozzy O’Shea is encouraging people to turn to Hinckley AlterNativity when looking to get presents for loved ones this year.
The scheme sells gifts of supplies, support and emergency care offered to people in need at home and abroad by charities, which are given in the name of someone who might otherwise receive something they do not need or want.
Cllr O’Shea and his consort, wife Jenny, attended the launch of the 12th annual AlterNativity held in Hinckley United Reformed Church on Armistice Day.
They spent hours talking to representatives of each of the 21 organisations offering 32 different, life-enhancing gifts through this year’s scheme.
Throughout the day, during which a two-minute silence was observed at 11am, Christmas shoppers gave £7,425 of gifts which will help some of the most needy people across the borough and around the world.
Among the gifts on offer are those that will help people from Hinckley and Bosworth who are homeless, in crisis, suffering serious illness, have special learning needs or would benefit from respite care.
Further afield, gifts are available to support refugees and asylum seekers, as well as give practical help to families living in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Cllr O’Shea said: “I think it’s an excellent way to give alternative Christmas presents for people who are suffering across the world.
“It gets to the heart of Christmas.
“If we can make a difference, it’s important that we do.
“These people are making a difference to lives not only across the world but also in this country and this borough.”
An AlterNativity mail order service will run from St Peter’s Priory on Leicester Road in the town until December 10 during which time the amount generated for the charities involved is expected to double.
Father Frank Daly, St Peter’s parish priest, said: “It was good to see a steady stream of people on launch day coming to do their Christmas shopping in this most inventive way.
“We hope to encourage many more people to do Christmas differently in this way.”
Gift details and order forms can be downloaded from the AlterNativity website (search for Hinckley AlterNativity) or by calling St Peter’s Priory on Hinckley 634443.