A jolly big thank you this Christmas!

For many survivors of domestic abuse Christmas can be a difficult and overwhelming time. They may have recently fled an abusive relationship, be in temporary accommodation, or unable to buy gifts for their children. The goodwill of our community means that they feel, seen, heard and supported.

This is the difference the community’s incredible kindness makes:

“The presents were so thoughtful for the kids. I don’t mean to sound cheesy but it made me cry just feeling the generosity and feeling cared for like that. Thank you so much for all you guys do.”
“The boys and I cannot put into words in how you have all continued supporting us. I’ve just gone through everything and got all a bit emotional. Christmas looks a little brighter now.”
“I truly wasn’t expecting so many lovely presents, it was such a wonderful surprise. We will all, as a family, have a perfect Christmas this year. Last year was awful for all of us, so this year will be especially special, with new memories being made.”

Every year, we are overwhelmed by the willingness of our community to donate towards and give gifts to women and families they have never met. Some donate Christmas toys and gifts. Some donate items we can use throughout the year – to support survivors living on the streets, or to create care packages, or that are vital to the mentoring and counselling work we do with children and young people. Some fundraise or make donations that enable us to continue providing our specialist services.

Whatever the generosity, we are truly grateful to all those who have helped Rising Sun spread the Christmas joy this year, including:

Brett Group Employees for their amazing generosity with their Christmas Giving Tree Initiative
Folkestone Town Council for hosting a Giving Tree at the Council offices and the public for all the incredible gifts
Danielle Brenchley and the Ashford community for including Rising Sun in their huge Christmas collection drive
Nikki Winstanley and the Whitstable Mums for their 9^th year of collecting gifts for children and mums!
East Kent Widows Sons for their ‘Santas on Bikes’ Toy Run and donating a massive pile of presents
Holly Silver for organising a wonderful collection of so many presents for the women we support
Cardo Group in Canterbury for their amazing collection of gift, and arts & crafts materials
St Nicholas Church & the people of Ash & district, Goodnestone church and school for their donations of mum & baby supplies and Christmas gifts for Liberty House
St Anselm’s Sixth Form for their super collection of gifts for mums and babies at Liberty House
Windsor Court Social Club for collecting toiletries, cold weather items and a cash donation to support our High Support Needs team
Canterbury Academy for their collection of arts & crafts materials to support our Children and Young People’s Service throughout the year, as well as their amazing fundraising!
Hannah Page and Adisham community for their collection of presents for women
Lord Mayor of Canterbury Christmas Gift Fund for their gift of vouchers
Jan Post and The Rift Group for the truly generous donation of gift cards
St Edmund’s School for donating the proceeds of Hot Chocolate sales and a collection at their Carol Service
South Street WI for donating the proceeds of their Christmas carols and mulled wine event
And the generous individuals who have chosen to make personal donations to Rising Sun this festive period

Thank you to all for enabling us to continue providing specialist domestic abuse support to victim-survivors of domestic abuse this Christmas and in the New Year.

If you would like to support Rising Sun next year by hosting a toy collection, organising a giving tree, donating proceeds from shows or events or by making a financial donation to our work – we would love to hear from you.

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