It seems that with the mess of a year 2020 has been so far, many of us (myself included) are willing to plan for the festive season even earlier than usual. Who can blame us? Don’t feel guilty about the little things that make you smile – especially when you can make a positive change.
Now when I was younger, one sure way to get you excited for Christmas was the advent calendar. The prospect of a little chocolate or intricate picture behind a window was so exciting! But now I am older, I have either noticed or brands have realised they can get a lot of money for making their own calendars full of miniatures for the countdown to Christmas, which in my opinion spoils the festive feeling a bit.
Last year, I discovered Advent of Change, a calendar where 1 purchase donates to 24 individual charities, and behind each day, it tells you exactly which charity your money has gone to and what it has achieved, whether that be to help the homeless or conservation or mental health charities – the list is expansive and it is so worth it. This is the epitome of Christmas Spirit and what it is all about at the end of the day.
‘We’re a non-profit organisation with a mission: to make the world a more fair, equal and sustainable place. We create beautiful, everyday products that donate to multiple charities with one single purchase, and raise awareness for their amazing work.’
Advent of Change
It is a new business, founded by Kristina Salceanu and it has already become so popular (and rightly so), featuring in Country Living Magazine, Harpers Bazaar and The Sunday Times among others. It was deservedly given an award by the Prime Minister.
In 2019, Advent of Change raised a monumental £210,000 for charity! 2020 sees them expand their range and the amount of charities they (and you) support; now 48 charities will benefit. In fact, sales from the 2020 range have already raised £100,000!!! (14th November)
Products from the 2020 range include:
Charity Advent Calendar – £17.95
Children’s Charity Advent Calendar – £17.95
Charity Christmas Crackers – £24.95
Charity Advent Candle – £24.95
Premium Charity Advent Calendar – £32.95
Braille Charity Advent Calendar – £32.95
2021 Wall Calendar – £19.95
Pin Badge – £3.95
Tote Bag – £7.95
So as you can see from the above, there will definitely be something for you or a friend.
In addition, the calendar is eco friendly! Yes I know you thought it couldn’t get any better – but it does! To quote straight from their website –
“Our products are recyclable and manufactured in the UK using FSC-certified paper, vegetable oil based inks and wrapped in a compostable potato starch-film.”
Oh yes – Christmas cheer delivered straight through the letterbox! It is this compassion that we need to get through the rest of 2020. And without the miniature plastic travel sizes of cosmetics or toiletries in other very very expensive advent calendars, it’s good for the environment too!
So please consider this as an alternative (or an addition) to your usual choice of advent calendar this year. We need more compassion in the world and to support those who help us when we are down and out and who are working to protect the planet we live on.
Charlotte
xoxo
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