Alternative festive gift fair raised a fabulous £22k
GENEROUS donors have raised a huge amount for an annual festive event in Hinckley despite the challenges of the coronavirus restrictions.
Organisers of AlterNativity, which involves people donating to charity rather than buying unwanted gifts for friends and relatives, were thrilled to have raised £22,100, beating last year’s £16,000.
This was despite the challenges of coronavirus and the number of shoppers staying more or less the same as last year, at 220.
The good cause usually holds an event in November to launch the event, with people invited to come and view the charities they can donate to, but this year the operation all took place via mail order and online.
Project director, Father Frank Daly, said: “We always stress that the project is not primarily about raising money for charity - even though many charities have been in dire straits this year financially – but changing the way that we do our Christmas shopping.
“Clearly this year’s shoppers were very serious about this as the figures show.
“Popular gifts this year included 50 school meals for a child through Mary’s Meals, food for the local foodbank, respite care for dying people through the Marie Curie nurses, support for the women’s refuge, and bedding and toiletries for the Lawrence House for homeless young people.”
The project has raised more than £172,000 since it began 15 years ago.
Father Daly said: “Thanks are due to the organisers from Churches Together and of course to our shoppers for their faithful and significant commitment to a very worthwhile venture.
“We hope we can have our event once again next year and gain many more ‘customers’ in the future.”
AlterNativity supports several other Hinckley charities, including Dial-a-Ride and the local branch of the Salvation Army.
Father Daly recently produced a video to show how he processes the mail order forms that come in.
Visit the AlterNativity website to find out more about the group’s work.