Christmas Hampers
Chris, who is involved in running a Christian Group in an international software company, wrote to us to tell us about the exciting workplace initiative that the group launched at Christmastime. Chris writes:
“The Christmas Hamper idea came from my involvement with Besom. Besom regularly ask Churches to either prepare whole Christmas hampers or provide luxury items of food and presents to be added to hampers and given to those in need over Christmas.
I thought that our Christian work group could collect enough items for a couple of hampers so that’s all we decided to do. Members of the group dropped off items (mince pies, puddings, crackers etc.) into my office. The items built up and then were noticed by work colleagues who asked why I had all this “shopping” in my office. They too became enthusiastic to bring in items for this worthy cause. The first year we collected enough for 5 or 6 whole hampers and this was without any advertising. The following year we posted notices and asked for donations (signed by the Christian Fellowship group) and we collected enough to fill 14 hampers (see picture)
There were significant benefits arising from this initiative:
-
It raised the profile of the Christian group at work.
-
The initiative attracted several new additions to our group.
-
We re-emphasised the Christian context of Christmas at a time when many of the staff are focused on sales targets.
-
We helped some families in need with goodies they wouldn’t normally buy.”
This is a great story of how a Christian Group can really make a difference in the workplace. Do you have any similar stories to tell us that we might be able to share and encourage others?
| ask HR / Diversity and Inclusion managers if your organisation will allow religious festivals to be highlighted on your work calendar |
| As a member of the police service, I've been called many names by the public I serve. Sadly, very few of them have been complimentary. In the Christmas story there are 16 names used for Jesus... |
| Videos of staff sharing what Christmas means to them. |
| A local Authority took up the challenge to create a Christmas video for all staff. More than just a bit of fun! |
| Here's an example from Thames Water's virtual carols from last Christmas. |
| It's a great opportunity for all to learn about Christian based Christmases. |
| Several Christian Workplace Groups have started choirs, find out more. |
| Where better to shine your light this Christmas than in your workplace? A number of Christian Workplace Groups are planning to take part in this initiative, why not join them? |
| Encourage other diversity networks to join in by asking them to read the Christmas story... |
| "Steve, I don't get it... what do you mean by a reverse advent calendar?" |
| In this article, Ambassador Steve Matthews shares his reflections on Sefton Council's 2019 Carol Service and Christmas display. |
| Fill a child’s life with joy this Christmas! |
| Great idea to have a fun online quiz and also bust a few myths about Christmas too. |
| Although there was enthusiasm to organise a carol service we felt it was too late for this year, or so we thought... |
| What’s a good way for a Christian Workplace Group to get across the Christmas message to others in the organisation and at the same time raise the profile of your group? |
| During the advent season why not retell the Christmas story on your intranet system |
| Another great Christmas song from the Christian Workplace Group in Thames Water, an inclusive organisation, allowing colleagues to express and share their faith at work for all staff. |
| The Sefton Council Christian Workplace Group brilliantly engage with the council on the importance of giving at Christmas. |
| Tackling debt - help your colleagues by publishing 10 top tips for staying out of debt this Christmas |
| Simple but effective way to celebrate Christmas with your colleagues and share the hope Jesus brings into life. |
| How to bring staff together to celebrate Christmas... by singing carols. Find out how... |
| Encourage the local mayor to give you a 2-3 mins pre-recorded word |
| Below are some details of an activity undertaken by the HMRC group at Reading. |
| Thinking outside the box... Getting Quirky Creative at a local authority this Christmas |
| You are not forgotten. Add your name and any need you have to the Christmas Tree this year and we will pray for you. |
| Ask management if the Christian Workplace Group can put up some Christmas posters on notice boards to help decorate the office to get in the festive cheer. |
| Always worth asking your CEO / senior managers if they would be prepared to share... |
| Nothing like being part of a workplace Christmas choir for building good relationships with colleagues and supporting your workplace wellbeing. |
| Everyone loves chocolates at Christmas time... |
| One very simple idea at Christmas is to give a Christmas card to every employee. |
| A senior manager's view of the benefits of having a Christian group within her council, and her support for the carol service the group organised |
| Don’t do ‘church’ in work but make it fun and relevant by including items about your organisations and key senior people |
| Spend one of our group sessions planning your Christmas event together, here's a few ideas before, during and after |
| here are many forgotten people at work, those that live on their own, the cleaners and security night staff who start work when everyone else has gone home |