News

Through our Christmas Gift project, 659 customers received a £20 supermarket* voucher, helping to ease financial pressures and bring a little extra joy at this special time of year.

The project is organised by our community investment team and has been running in various forms for the past two decades. This year’s success was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of more than a dozen partner organisations and groups that we work closely with.

A2Dominion colleagues nominate customers to receive the vouchers, and these can then be used in the supermarket* in any way which may help support them at Christmas.

The project supports many residents, with additional focus given to single, vulnerable males, recognising the increased risk of isolation and financial hardship within this group.

Julie Brooker, Communities Partner at A2Dominion, has run the project alongside colleagues in our community investment team.

Julie said: “We’re proud that our Christmas Gift Project has once again made a meaningful difference for many of our customers. Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and each voucher is a way of sharing joy and letting customers know they’re in our thoughts this festive season. This project is made possible through the generosity of our partners and the dedication of our colleagues.”

The Christmas Gift Project has had a positive impact on many customers. One recipient said: “This will help me buy food and visit my elderly parents, whom I haven’t seen for many Christmases.”

A second added: “Thank you for the gift. It has inspired me to volunteer and help others.”

A third commented: “I’ve been struggling with my benefits - this gave me hope again.”

Thanks for contributions to the Christmas Gift Project from: Rose Properties, Just Ask, Social Tele, Talbet, The AD Group, Beavers, Smarter Services, Thomas Kneal, TSG, PSL, Wiggetts and AST.

This is one of many initiatives that we have run this Christmas, with colleagues spreading festive cheer to communities with a variety of seasonal activities.

At the Swanfield Community Centre in Chichester, residents enjoyed a Christmas lunch and a magical Santa’s Grotto. The Stanwell Rose Community Centre in Spelthorne came alive with a lively Christmas Pantomime, while the Elmsbrook Community House in Bicester hosted wreath-making and family craft sessions.

*Vouchers can be used at Tesco or Sainsbury’s