Why I set up Marnie Delivers Christmas...
At Christmas 2020 it dawned on me that some families may not be able to afford Christmas due to the pandemic. It made me really sad, and so I asked my Mum how I could help these families.
I wrote a plan and I wrote a shopping list. I needed to raise enough money to buy Christmas dinners for 5 people.
I did extra chores and earned some extra pocket money; I then asked my Mum if she could donate some money and we also managed to use some of the Sunshine Support community fund.
I went shopping to Sainsbury's with my mum, with my list in hand, and bought the Christmas dinners.
It included starters, a Turkey with all the trimmings, desserts and a bottle of Prosecco.
I then visited the families and delivered their Christmas dinners with my Mum.
2022 - my mission!
This year I aim to feed 25 families again. Families get to enter the draw for a free dinner.
I am going to walk 1 mile a day for 25 days to help raise awareness of my campaign and get others involved! We will stream my walks as much as possible online.
I will purchase the dinner ingredients with the money I've raised, and then families can come to collect the ingredients (that will be all bagged up and ready to go) at Sunshine Support.
Collection will take place at Sunshine Support on Wednesday 21st December (late afternoon).
What happened in 2021?
I raised enough money for 25 families to receive Christmas meals in 2021! I featured on local and national news raising awareness of my campaign and so many families benefitted.
I noticed that so many families are too proud to ask for help, so in 2022 I'm changing my approach to this to ensure I reach those who really need our help.
About my family and me...
My family is neurodivergent, this means we are each different with several of us living with presentations such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder and Sensory Processing Difficulties.
I know how challenging life can be normally, but it's even harder at Christmas, especially if you have a low income.
I am based in Derby, and as I'm only 11 I don't drive, so for now my campaign will be based in Derby.
Good will gesture...
I will not make any money from doing this good deed, I just want to help those who need it. It's my 'extra act of kindness at Christmas' - something my Mum has taught us to do from a very young age.
Our 'nomination form' will be open until 10th December and a panel of adults will help me to choose the families who will receive the Christmas dinners. I appreciate I will not be able to help everyone who applies/is nominated as much as I'd like to, please be mindful of this. I'm only 11.
We will provide meals for as many people as we can afford, based on the donations we receive.
The Offer
Last year I provided families with:
- Turkey
- Frozen vegetables x 3
- Potatoes
- Gravy
- Child's dessert
- Christmas pudding & brandy sauce/custard
- Stuffing
- Pigs in blankets
- Prosecco
- Cream crackers & cheese board
I appreciate this may not suit everyone, and so if you have allergies or feeding differences/difficulties I may offer an alternative by way of a gift voucher so that I don't get it wrong (as that would make me and you super sad, I'm sure!)