Horizon Leeds’ 12 Days of Giving

12 Days. 3 Weeks. Countless Ways to Give

We’re excited to announce this year’s Christmas campaign: Horizon Leeds’ 12 Days of Giving. Starting on 1 December, for 12 days, we’ll be dedicating one day to a meaningful activity. These include everything from donating venue space and collecting food and warm clothing to spotlighting local businesses and supporting mental health initiatives.

Each week is built around a theme:

  • Week 1: Giving to the Community
  • Week 2: Giving with Kindness
  • Week 3: Giving with Joy.

But here’s why it matters:

  • 1 million older people in the UK feel more isolated at Christmas than at any other time of year
  • 590,000 people won’t see or speak to anyone on Christmas Day
  • 354,000 people will spend the festive season homeless including 161,500 children
  • And 5.3 million adults suffer from chronic loneliness across the UK

Christmas should be a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness – but for many, it’s a season of silence and struggle. Your small act could be someone’s lifeline.

Week 1: Giving to the Community –  Monday 1st – Friday 5th December

Mon 1 Dec: ✉️ Christmas Cards for Care Homes

We will be writing festive cards for residents in our local care homes.

Tue 2 Dec: 🏢 Donate Venue Space

We are offering two meeting rooms free of charge to a local nonprofit for a workshop, training session, or community event to a company to help make a difference – a meaningful way to support local initiatives.

Terms and conditions:

  • This will be announced via email, and the person will have 3 months from this date to claim.
  • New bookings only. Subject to availability.
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. 
Wed 3 Dec: 🥫 Food Drive

We will be collecting non-perishable donations in our reception at Horizon Leeds, with drop-offs to Leeds North and West Foodbank scheduled for the week before Christmas. A list of items that the foodbank is currently looking for people to donate can be found here: Donate food | Leeds North & West Foodbank.

Deadline to make donations: Thursday 18th December.

Thu 4 Dec: 🛍️ Local Business Spotlight

We will feature a small business or social enterprise on our social media channels to help boost visibility and encourage community support. If you would like to be considered for this, please get in touch with Megan via email: megan.macbrairdy@horizonleeds.co.uk.

Week 2: Giving with Kindness –  Monday 8th – Friday 12th December

Mon 8 Dec: 💚 Supporting Mental Health

We’ll share signposting information on incredible mental health charities that make a real difference, including Mind, Rethink, Young Minds, Hub of Hope, and more. Together, we can make this season brighter and offer support during a season that can be challenging for many.

Tue 9 Dec: 🧣 Warmth Drive

We are collecting coats, scarves, and gloves for donations. All items will be split between and delivered to Simon on the Streets and St. George’s Crypt in the week leading up to Christmas.

Simon On The Streets provides emotional and practical support for people with complex needs who cannot or will not access other services. Within that group, it focuses on people who are homeless and rootless, especially those with issues related to rough sleeping.

St. George’s Crypt is a long-established charity in Leeds that provides practical care and support for homeless, vulnerable, and disadvantaged people. To find out more about the essential items that St. George’s Crypt’s are asking for as part of their Advent Calendar, here.

Wed 10 Dec: 🙌 Pay it Forward Day

We will be visiting our local independent coffee shops and pay forward a hot beverage for the next customer. We will also leave a kind note for someone, for example, by leaving a note on a colleague’s desk, wishing them a good day.

Thu 11 Dec: 🎄 Christmas Jumper Day

Our staff and visitors will be encouraged to wear festive jumpers for Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day. We will be sharing photos on social media to help raise awareness.

🫶 To donate: https://bit.ly/48yeiS8
Reference number: CJD250034697
Text HZNLDS to 70701.

Week 3: Giving with Joy – Monday 15th – Friday 19th December

Mon 15 Dec: 🌿 Green Day

We’re creating top tips to have a more sustainable Christmas. This includes how to reduce food waste over the festive period with some yummy recipes, eco decorations to inspire green festive choices.

Tue 16 Dec: 🥧 Free Mince Pie for Every Delegate

Delegates visiting the venue will receive a complimentary mince pie to spread a little seasonal cheer.

Wed 17 Dec: 🎁 Providing Gifts for the Elderly

We’ll organise a gift donation for elderly individuals in the community to help ensure they feel remembered and valued during the holidays. This year, we have partnered with Harrogate Neighbours. Plus, we will be sharing a blog on alternative Christmas present ideas.

Please, can we request gender neutral gifts and have them dropped off wrapped? Deadline: Thursday 11th December.

Thu 18 Dec: 🙏 Thank You Day

A day dedicated to expressing gratitude to clients, staff, and partners.

Get involved

If you’re visiting and would like to contribute, there will be a donation collection area at reception where you can drop off your donations. If you have any questions, or you and your company would like to get involved in any of the above, please email Megan via megan.macbrairdy@horizonleeds.co.uk.

Follow us on social media

Make sure you’re following us on social media to join in and engage with Horizon Leeds’ 12 Days of Giving; we will be using the following channels:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizon-leeds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horizonleeds/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HorizonLeeds/