6 Ways To Do Good This Christmas (Really Easily!)

Want to make this Christmas extra special? By choosing to be kind and conscious, you can make a positive impact on both your local community and the planet. Here are six simple ideas to help you get the feel-good factor this festive season:

1. Make Your Christmas List Social: Support social enterprises this Christmas by purchasing gifts from organisations like Mecoco – fabulous, scented candles providing opportunities for young disabled people, Blankfaces – the UK’s first fashion label aimed at ending homelessness, and Social Stories Club – sustainable gift hampers. These organisations are dedicated to making a positive impact, and your purchases will help them continue their important work.

2. Donate to a Food Pantry: The cost of living crisis is impacting many families in Edinburgh. Help people make their budgets stretch at Christmas by donating to a local food pantry like the Fresh Start Pantry.

3. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon: Treat yourself to a delicious treat and cuppa at Four Square Park Café. Nestled in Saughton Park, our beautiful social enterprise café is the perfect place to warm up after a day of Christmas fun. Plus, you will be supporting a worthwhile local cause.

4. Have a Christmas Clear-out: Declutter your home in preparation for welcoming guests. Donate unwanted furniture, homeware, books and games to Four Square. Your donations will help generate vital funds to support those experiencing homelessness this Christmas and reduce waste. Book a free collection.

5. Visit the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative Sustainable Gift Corner: This year, EFI has a specially curated, sustainable gift corner where you can find quality, unique gifts that give back! From vintage crockery to beautiful homeware and rare books, not only do you get more bang for your buck, but by choosing preloved, you can reduce your Christmas carbon footprint. Plus, every gift purchased helps someone experiencing homelessness.

6. Buy a Christmas Dinner for someone experiencing homelessness: Four Square manages vital accommodation for young people and women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Donating just £5 ensures that everyone receives a Christmas dinner and £10 means we can choose gifts to spread the festive cheer our residents deserve.