ITVET spreads holiday cheer throughout the Bishop’s Stortford community 

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024 and embrace the fun-packed Christmas season, we couldn’t imagine the festivities without continuing our long-loved tradition: the 12 Days of Giving initiative. 

This year, our busy ITVET elves have been hard at work, spreading festive cheer with a bunch of heartwarming visits—each sprinkled with an extra touch of holiday magic! 

We kicked off our 12 Days of Giving with a sweet Christmas treat donation to Mind Charity for one of their sessions. Mind holds a special place in our hearts at ITVET, as their incredible work—particularly in raising public awareness and understanding around mental health—deeply inspires us. Their mission aligns closely with the efforts of our own ITVET Wellbeing team, driving us to create a supportive and understanding environment for all. It was lovely to give a little something back on this chilly December afternoon!

On the 2nd Day of Giving, our volunteers spread some holiday cheer at Bishop’s Stortford Foodbank. They delivered bags filled with essentials and a few special treats, which were warmly received by the dedicated team at the foodbank. In these challenging times, it’s a reminder that the festive season isn’t always a picture-perfect celebration for everyone. We hope our donations made a difference and look forward to returning for another visit soon. 

On the 3rd Day of Giving, our holiday helpers paid a visit to Thirst Youth Cafe, run by the Bishop’s Stortford Youth Project. We donated a variety of crafting supplies to help make their Christmas Eve Kids’ Day extra special, bringing plenty of creative fun and holiday magic to the children. Thirst Youth Cafe is an incredible initiative, offering a safe and welcoming space where young people can eat, relax, play, and enjoy time together. It also serves as a creative hub where young people can express themselves and access support and guidance from experienced youth workers and inspiring role models. We loved being part of their festive preparations and can’t wait to visit again soon!

On the 4th Day of Giving, we were thrilled to bring some Christmas cheer to Age Concern. This incredible organisation works tirelessly to support and advocate for the needs and interests of older people, addressing important issues that affect their daily lives. We visited The New Apton Centre in Bishop’s Stortford to donate tablecloths, adding a cosy, cheerful touch to their holiday celebrations. It was a true pleasure to see everyone enjoying the festivities—and we especially loved all the Christmas jumpers!

On the 5th Day of Giving, a few of our amazing teammates took time out of their day to support Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service. This experience was particularly meaningful for our team, as it served as a reminder of how many people spend the holiday season alone. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with individuals we might not have otherwise met and were inspired by the fascinating stories they shared. The Telephone Friendship Service is a wonderful initiative that brings warmth and connection to older people who may be feeling isolated. A simple weekly phone call can truly make a world of difference. If you’d like to learn more, visit Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service. 

On the 6th Day of Giving, we were proud to support Grove Cottage Mencap’s Christmas party and Santa’s Grotto. We’re so glad to hear everyone had a great time. It’s always a pleasure to be part of the wonderful community at Grove Cottage and bring a bit of festive cheer to their members and families.

On the 7th Day of Giving, we were excited to support St Michael’s Primary School’s Christmas raffle by donating a Fitbit as a prize. We’re thrilled to hear the event raised nearly £1,000 to fund a new outdoor gym for the students—such a fantastic initiative to help keep the kids active and healthy! It’s heartwarming to know how much of a difference our donations can make. Here’s to fostering stronger communities and brighter futures.

On the 8th Day of Giving, we were happy to donate a stack of board games to Bishop’s Stortford Tabletop, a fantastic local club that brings people together for some fun and much-needed face-to-face connection! If you’re in the Bishop’s Stortford area, be sure to check out their Facebook group to find out when the next session is happening. It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition!

On the 9th Day of Giving, our ITVET team lent a helping ‘paw’ to The Animal Rescue Charity (ARC) in Bishop’s Stortford, bringing along Christmas gifts of delicious food and treats for the adorable little residents to enjoy over the festive period. ARC provides a safe haven for neglected, unwanted, and abandoned animals, focusing on rehabilitating them—especially wildlife—so they can return to their natural habitats. The charity’s incredible work helps animals recover from past trauma, showering them with love and care. It’s clear how much respect and compassion is shown to every animal at ARC, with a strong commitment to giving them a voice when they can’t advocate for themselves. It’s always a pleasure to support this amazing charity, and we hope all the animals had a very merry Christmas! 

On the 10th Day of Giving, we donated pouffes to Manuden Primary School’s library, adding a cosy touch to their already enchanting little reading space. It’s wonderful to see children getting lost in stories, so we’re thrilled to make that experience even more comfortable with a set of colourful, ultra-cushy seating. We hope the pouffes create a warm, inviting space for the students to enjoy their favourite books and make their reading time even more enjoyable. t’s the perfect finishing touch to their magical little corner!

On the 11th Day of Giving, a few of our ITVET teammates visited Tye Green Lodge, bringing along their furry companions! It was heartwarming to see the joy the dogs brought to the residents, and, of course, our pets loved all the attention they received in return! 

On the 12th and final Day of Giving, we were proud to donate a brand-new sign to Bishop’s Stortford Bowling Club, to support their efforts in maintaining a welcoming and vibrant community space. This donation not only supports the club’s visibility but also strengthens its role as a hub for social connection and outdoor activity in the local community. We’re thrilled to contribute to a place where friendships are formed and wellbeing is prioritised.

Over the past 12 days, we’ve had the privilege of spreading festive cheer throughout our community with donations, support, and acts of kindness. From helping local schools and charities to bringing smiles with furry companions, it’s been a heartwarming and rewarding journey. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible—your generosity and spirit truly made a difference.  

We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebrations and can’t wait to continue giving back to this incredible community!