As the days and nights are getting darker and colder, we are so grateful for the many ways people help us to support homeless and vulnerable people in Bath. It is especially so during the festive season when the disadvantage that some people face can be even starker.

Being able to provide warm clothing, personal care essentials and food through our Gateway Centre and Bath Foodbank is so important at this time of year. And in addition, it is wonderful when we can give more than the emergency basics. We love to be able to give a bit extra such as festive treats and gifts that will brighten people’s Christmas.

Last year we gave personalised Christmas gifts to visitors to our Gateway Centre. For many it was their only present. As well as enjoying their gift we were told that our clients felt known and cared for by the Genesis team because of the thought that went into each present.

“Thank you, you thought of me when you bought that.” was one man’s response. “How did you know that was what I wanted?!” was another.

At Bath Foodbank we gave families in receipt of food parcels a £20 give voucher for The Entertainer toy shop for each child. This way, parents have the choice to buy a present that their child would really like, bringing joy to the parents and their children alike. Last year we also helped dads who may not have seen their children for a while but would be seeing their children at Christmas. They may otherwise have struggled to buy a present but instead of going empty-handed they could take a voucher for each child as well as chocolate and other Christmassy treats.

So here are some ways you can help in the build-up to Christmas.

  1. If you would like to support our Gifts Appeal this year and help to bring some joy to adults and children this Christmas, we would be so grateful. You can do this HERE.
  2. There are other ways to help this Christmas and winter season including donations of clothing, ‘care package’ items (such as toiletries and torches) and food and we have put these on our website  Click HERE to see a list of items you can donate.
  3. For festive fundraising, our online Christmas shop is now open!  Have a look HERE.
  4. We have a wonderfully vibrant 2022 Calendar with stunning photographs by Liberty Dawes an aspiring young local photographer. There are also Christmas cards including four new designs this year. We can post to you, deliver if you are in Bath or you can collect from us. Please get in touch if you would like any more information about this. Click HERE to email us.

Our cards and calendars are also for sale at St Michael’s Without Christmas cards shop until 24 December.

  1. However, if e-cards are your preferred way to send Christmas wishes we have a shop for these too.. The idea is to email the digital card to all your friends and family and donate the money saved on postage to Genesis Trust. It’s a great way to support a charity and is good for the environment too!  Click HERE to go to our E-Card shop.

We are grateful for all the many ways people give to Genesis Trust throughout the year with donations of money, food, clothing, furniture, and other items. Your generosity has a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve. Thank you.