Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with:

THE ESSEX COMMUNITY ADVENT CALENDAR 2024

Each day, discover and appreciate one of 24 incredible local charities dedicated to supporting people of all ages and needs.

Join us for 24 days of gratitude, giving and community spirit.

Be part of this celebration of local kindness!

What to do?

1. Let's raise awareness - and consider donating if you can.

2. Email me at EssexCaresAtChristmas@gmail.com if you want to be added to the email distribution list (everyone will be blind copied); or the WhatsApp group. A Facebook page is live too - so follow there if you prefer!

What to be aware of:

1. OPTIONAL platform fees when donating. The platform applies an automatic but OPTIONAL 17.5% fee which goes to them, not the charities. You have to actively amend the amount on the 'custom' button - and you can type in anything from zero up. The amount you choose to type in is only visible to you.

2. I will not share your details with any of the charities. Once this campaign is closed, all contact details I hold will be deleted and the WhatsApp Community group will be closed.

3. The donation window will close on 15 January 2025 and the amount raised will be split equally between the 24 charities and distributed in the week of 20 January 2025 or as soon as the platform allows.

4. This is not a professionally organised campaign. Do not expect whizzy graphics or videos. Please enjoy it for what it is and for the part you have played in raising funds for and awareness of local causes.

5. There are over 3000 registered charities on The Charity Commission website operating in Essex. There are so many deserving local causes and it has been hard to choose 24. People and local has been the focus.

6. The 24 will only be revealed one day at a time. We cannot refund you if you object to a charity choice or your preferred charity has not been included in the Advent Calendar - so please donate small at the outset if you are worried - and top up your donation at the end as you wish! Every £1 helps. If you have a preferred charity - then perhaps just donate directly to them this Christmas instead?

7. If between now and 15 January 2025, circumstances change e.g. a charity drops out, folds, is under investigation etc, then the monies raised will be split equally between the other charities.