Through our Community Investment team, we often run projects that aim to reduce social isolation and increase community cohesion; projects that can offer vital support to our most in need customers during the festive period.
One of our key initiatives in December is the Christmas gift bags project. Since it began in 2012, the project has delivered over 6000 bags of donated items to help support our most vulnerable residents. This year, 550 gift bags containing essential food, clothing and festive treats were delivered to residents across London and the south east as part of our ongoing support for individuals who need it most. A2Dominion staff members volunteered their spare time to help wrap and pack the gifts as well as deliver the bags across our communities.
Roy Crooks from Hayes was one of the residents chosen to receive a bag this year. “I’m so grateful for these gifts and can’t tell you how nice it feels to be thought of by the staff at A2Dominion,” he said. “It’s a warm feeling to be on the receiving end of such generosity.”
Our community centres have also supported customers throughout December by hosting Christmas pantomimes and parties for children and families, whilst our Friday Club for elderly residents featured performers singing classic festive songs as well as a Christmas lunch for over 40 residents.
“The festive period can often be a lonely and isolating time for our residents and the community work we do strives to bring people together,” explains Dawn Wightman, Director of Housing Services at A2Dominion. “Our community projects throughout the year are part of our continued commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of A2Dominion residents, and it’s lovely to see so many of them enjoying this special time of year across our communities.”