Five ways to help your community

Top five ways to help your community

1. Donating

During a season of receiving, there are many innovative ways to give back. For people that have everything, buy them something which will help others who have nothing. Charities, such as ActionAid and Oxfam, have gift giving options ranging from goats and cows to mosquito nets for families in need.

2. Volunteering

Donating your time is a great way to help your local community without spending money. Places like the The Huggard Centre in Cardiff Bay provide subsidised meals for the homeless and are on the lookout for volunteers for the winter season. For more information on similar opportunities see Volunteering Wales.

3. Recycling

Think of the environment this Christmas and start reusing your wrapping paper. Instead of ripping open your presents, try to preserve some of the paper and keep it for next year. Or you could use boxes and gift bags instead, as these don’t require any restrain when unpacking.

4. Shopping locally

Once again ’tis the season to buy Christmas presents, food, trees, wrapping paper, decorations and candy canes. But while it might be tempting to get it all done in Debenhams, consider supporting your local businesses by shopping at the Christmas markets, arcades and independent shops.

5. Performing

Paul Gwilym, a wedding shop owner in Splott, has decided to Santa-suit up and drive a motor-sleigh on Christmas morning. The vehicle will be decorated with 15 metres of tinsel, and will give out presents to children. Nothing is stopping you from doing the same. If you have some red in your wardrobe, then you’re halfway there, or at least have an excuse to put on some weight.

A few ways to bring Christmas joy to your local area

While Christmas comes with many warm traditions, not everyone is as fortunate. This is why Alt Cardiff believes you can show some Christmas spirit by supporting your community during this frosty period.

That money you saved all year can be sent in positive directions, whether by supporting local stores, going to charity shops, or by sponsoring a goat on behalf of a needy family.

If the recession has emptied your wallet, a good way to help your community is to volunteer for a charity, or simply to recycle. It is estimated that 30% more rubbish is produced over the Christmas period, and that’s not just the Christmas cards you throw away when no one’s looking.

Alt Cardiff has interviewed local Cardiffians about the ways in which the will be supporting their local community this holiday season:

How are you helping your community this Christmas? by Gwendolyn J K Dünner