Ongo spreads Christmas Cheer

Ongo have spent the whole of December spreading festive cheer throughout the neighbourhoods, with thousands of free gifts, donations and activities for all ages.

Despite the challenges of this year, Ongo have remained true to our promise of putting profits back into our communities, with more than £8,500 being spent on great causes.

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager at Ongo said: “We know this year has been a difficult one, which is why we were determined to make December as joyful and inclusive as we could, whilst supporting some brilliant causes.

“We always plan a huge amount throughout the month, and although we can’t sing, dance and be merry together, we can provide the supplies to those most in need, to make sure they still can.

“We’re hoping, along with everyone else, for a much more positive 2021 and we can’t wait to see you all in person for these kinds of activities as soon as we can.”

To kick the month off Ongo announced £1,000 would be split equally between five local initiatives. These include:

The Arc – A community building in the heart of Westcliff, which last year hosted dinner on Christmas Day for people that would otherwise be alone. This year they will instead deliver food parcels to 40 families in the region.

Helpful Hampers – This is a group of young mums that felt strongly about feeding children in our local area. Their money was spent buying stock to create hampers for families living in North Lincolnshire, who are unlikely to be able to afford extra food over the holidays.

Scunthorpe Samaritans – They have kept their service going throughout the lockdown despite ongoing challenges. Ensuring their office is safe and clean has meant an increase of costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning materials. Their money will ensure the office remains open to take calls at what is often the busiest time of the year.

The Viking Centre – Our community hub in Barton, which usually has festive activities planned in at this time of year. Their money will provide 70 local people with food and a small gift for any children in the household.

Our Homeless team in Doncaster – The team will be providing much needed supplies and clothing items to the clients they support.

Rebecca Breviglieri from Helpful Hampers said: “When I first set this up my aim was to feed 20 children in the school holiday. However in just two days the donations I received made it possible to get over 60 hampers out, feeding 150 children.

“We are now working with our local Children’s Centres who are in regular contact with local schools and health visitors, and therefore know who the families in need are. We are aiming to give out 150 Hampers this Christmas.”

Along with this money, an extra 800 festive surprises and sweet treats have been delivered to tenants including those living in Ongo retirement homes, clients of their homelessness service and nominated tenants.

Ongo retirement schemes have also been generously decked with the donation of decorations and a Christmas tree for all to enjoy in the communal spaces.

To continue the fun, prizes are up for grabs with Ongo social media Christmas competition for the whole family to get involved in, and games in our tenant magazine Key News.

If you’d like to find out more about our homes, support or services follow us on social media or take a look round the website.