YMCA NORFOLK

YMCA Norfolk is suggesting 24 ways to make a difference this advent, in the days leading up to Christmas.

“Advent calendars are getting more and more elaborate and more expensive but YMCA Norfolk has the perfect reminder of the true spirit of Christmas with a list of things you can do to make this year’s countdown really special,” said YMCA Norfolk Marketing Manager Susie Knights.

“Advent starts on Sunday December 3 and we are suggesting that people consider some of the following fundraising ideas and random acts of kindness, to help you make a difference to a young person in need this Christmas.”

Advent Calendar ideas:

Dec 1: Donate online as part of the Big Give Appeal and see it doubled up to midday on Dec 5

Dec 2: Sign up to become a YMCA volunteer

Dec 3: Spread the word about our Christmas Celebration on December 13 at Norwich Cathedral from 7.30pm, all are welcome.

Dec 4: Donate what you would spend on Christmas cards to YMCA

Dec 5: Have a clear out before Christmas and donate your items to the YMCA charity shop in Holt

Dec 6: Hold a Christmas Bake Sale

Dec 7: Volunteer at one of our many youth clubs across Norfolk, email volunteer@ymcanorfolk.org for more details

Dec 8: Talk to your workplace about YMCA Norfolk becoming your ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2018

Dec 9: Have a Christmas themed dress-down day at work and raise money to support YMCA Norfolk

Dec 10: For some Christmas isn’t always a fun and festive time, learn more about mental health by booking on to our Youth Mental Health First Aid courses, email mindmatters@ymcanorfolk.org for more details

Dec 11: Wear a Santa Hat all day!

Dec 12: Become a NightStop volunteer and provide much needed emergency accommodation for a young person this winter

Dec 13: Join us for our Christmas Celebration tonight (Dec 13) at Norwich Cathedral

Dec 14: Hold a Christmas Movie night and charge your friends to attend

Dec 15: Sign up to help with our Christmas Street collection, the more the merrier!

Dec 16: Instead of Christmas presents ask people to donate £10 to by a Christmas Dinner for a young person in YMCA accommodation

Dec 17: Donate food for YMCA young people at the collection point in Sainsbury’s on Pound Lane

Dec 18: Invite your friends on facebook and twitter to Like/Follow our page to help support our work

Dec 19: Become a fundraising and marketing volunteer and help us see transformation in the lives of young people

Dec 20: Collect up your pennies and cash them in for YMCA Norfolk

Dec 21: Donate £25 to provide a Christmas Hamper for one of the families at YMCA Norfolk

Dec 22: Play Christmas music and get your colleagues/family/friends singing along!

Dec 23: Go Carol Singing in your neighbourhood to raise money for YMCA Norfolk

Dec 24: Set yourself a challenge for the New Year by signing up for Sleep Easy 2018. A night sleeping rough so others don’t have to

For details of where to deliver your donations or to download a fundraising pack please visit the YMCA Norfolk website

Caister-on-Sea youth club volunteer Tavis (pictured above) says: “I enjoy this volunteering a lot, my favourite part of working for the YMCA Friday Hub is seeing all the happy young people coming in and using the facility. I would happily encourage anybody thinking of becoming a volunteer as it is a chance to become a role model for the younger generation.”