In December the Sir Simon Milton Foundation again partnered with Westminster City Council and the London Heritage Quarter to help deliver gifts to those most in need over the festive period. Together, we:

• delivered 800 Christmas hampers to some of the most lonely and isolated older people in Westminster
• supported some of the most disadvantaged younger people and families in need by donating a total of £10,000 gift vouchers

Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of the year for those who already face challenges or might be struggling with loneliness. Since 2013 the Sir Simon Milton Foundation has delivered over 4,700 Christmas hampers to people aged over 65, identified by Westminster City Council as being vulnerable, lonely or isolated. 

This year, in partnership with Westminster City Council and the London Heritage Quarter we delivered 800 hampers across the City. These were delivered by local volunteers from the Westminster Connects team, as well as Westminster City Council staff, Councillors and Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Patricia McAllister. Each hamper included a selection of festive treats including mince pies, cheese biscuits, Christmas pudding and a bottle of wine.

        

        

Photos: © Mickey Ling-fan Lee

“Many thanks for the wonderful hamper, what a lovely surprise! I am currently housebound and on a tight budget, so I’m doubly delighted." - Christmas hamper recipient

The Foundation worked in partnership with Westminster City Council’s Family Services team to identify Care Leavers who would benefit from our support. Care Leavers are aged 18-24 and will very often find themselves alone with no family to visit during the festive break. We gave 100 care leavers a £25 shopping voucher so they could afford to buy themselves something special to enjoy over the Christmas period.

The Family Services team also identified 150 families in need who we supported. Families that are already struggling with poverty, and often with other problems too, struggle even more at Christmas with the pressure of providing a special Christmas meal and gifts. We gave each family in need a £50 shopping voucher to allow them to buy either food or presents for a chance to celebrate a better Christmas.

"Thank you, the children have been on holiday and eating more, we had no food left in the house, my social worker delivered this voucher just at the right time. It is was well needed and made me so happy. "  - Voucher recipient

"Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you, thank you. Receiving a £50 voucher made me cry, I have three children to feed and buy presents for. I did not have to choose between bills, food and presents.  I was able to get all the children presents with your contribution.  I am so grateful."  - Voucher recipient