Christmas can be the hardest, most dreaded time of the year for those experiencing long-term loneliness and isolation. Since 2013, we've been changing that story for hundreds of people who would otherwise be by themselves on Christmas Day.
Everyone is made to feel part of the Marmalade family, with a free festive lunch in a pub or restaurant in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, or a doorstep visit from a friendly volunteer.
Members are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around. Volunteering during the festive season offers a powerful way to bring light into the lives of those experiencing loneliness. But our volunteers often tell us how much the campaign benefits them as well.
Without our dedicated community of friendly and committed volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Would you like to help us make Christmas Day special or know anyone else who would be interested in volunteering?
Why volunteer at Christmas?
The spirit of giving
Christmas is a time of generosity and compassion, and volunteering is the ultimate expression of that spirit. By giving your time and energy to help others, you can spread joy and contribute to the real essence of the festive season! One of our volunteers recently told us: “Since discovering Marmalade Trust, my Christmases have been filled with happiness, laughter & and a real sense of togetherness. I have met fantastic characters, heard incredible stories and been humbled by the heartfelt gratitude of those who have joined us.”
The loneliest time of year
The lead up to the ‘big day’ (which usually begins months before) can exacerbate the feeling of loneliness at Christmas. It’s a time when we’re reminded of those who have passed away, family who live far away, or friends who are no longer in our lives, which, in turn, can leave us feeling left out and lonely. Volunteering not only helps our members, but many of our volunteers would also otherwise be spending the day alone, and being involved brings companionship and joy for them as well. We recently found a quote we love from Vivek Murthy; “The best way to feel less lonely, is to help others feel less lonely”.
It's fun and rewarding
Knowing you’re helping others is likely to make you feel really good. It could also be a great chance to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Giving your time freely to someone or something other than yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Studies show that volunteering can improve both your mental and physical health, increase your happiness levels, boost self-esteem and help you become more socially connected. Volunteering makes people smile and builds a sense of community and empathy for others. Volunteer, Amber, told us: “Volunteering this winter has brought joy into my life. I was feeling lonely too, so we’ve both benefitted!”
Make new traditions
Volunteering during Christmas can also be a wonderful way for families to come together. It’s an opportunity to share the value of kindness with younger generations, teaching them the importance of empathy and community support. Many families turn their volunteering into a cherished tradition, making memories that last a lifetime.
After her mother passed away, volunteer Rebecca and her family faced the challenge of creating new Christmas traditions. Looking for a way to give back, she found Marmalade Trust, which allowed her family to volunteer together. “It was really nice,” Rebecca shared, “and it demonstrated to my daughter the importance of volunteering. We'll make it part of our Christmas Day every year, and what's great about the doorstep visits is we can easily make them fit around Christmas Day plans as a family. We enjoyed breakfast and presents, brought some festive cheer to our Marmalade members, and still had Christmas dinner on the table by 1:30pm."
Christmas Cheer 2024
We are delighted to be accepting volunteer applications and referrals for Christmas Cheer 2024. Whether you can spare a few hours to help on Christmas Day or want to support us in other ways, your contribution will make a real difference. Our volunteers are the heart of what we do, spreading festive cheer and building connections that brighten the season.
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