Winter is a particularly difficult time for many people, which has been made even worse by the pandemic.
Financially and health-wise, individuals and families in our Marylebone community are likely to suffer over the coming months. This is why The London Clinic and St Marylebone Parish Church are launching a joint appeal to support local residents throughout the festive period.
The Changing Lives at Christmas appeal invites the public to contribute vital donations to help to buy gifts and food for people in need.
Just £20 will supply a Christmas stocking for a child, while £50 will help to support a family. The stockings will be filled with gifts and food depending on the individual needs of each recipient, to be delivered the week before Christmas.
The London Clinic and St Marylebone Parish Church are working through local services to identify the most vulnerable people in the community. This includes children and families, schools, and youth groups in the Marylebone area.
This is the second year our hospital has joined forces with the parish for Changing Lives at Christmas. Launched in 2020 as a direct response to the pandemic, the appeal reached over 600 people with food hampers, vouchers and books, thanks to the generosity of the Marylebone community.
Led by The London Clinic’s Director of Philanthropy, Louise Formby, and Executive Head Chef Paul O’Brien, together with St Marylebone Parish Church’s Director of Development, Rachael Church, and Father Jack Noble, this year the aim is to reach even more people, after what has been another difficult year for many.
“We were blown away by the generosity of the community last year,” said Paul. “When the pandemic first broke out at the start of 2020, few would have thought it would last until the winter – let alone a second Christmas in a row.”
“As a hospital and charity, we exist to also support our community,” said Louise. “It has been a terrible time for many of us, but for hundreds of people in Marylebone, this winter will be that bit harder.
“We’re calling on our incredible community once again to help to get gifts and food to those in need. Thank you to everyone who supported us in 2020, and with your help once again, together we can make a real difference.”
The stockings will be delivered to the community in the week before Christmas by Chef Paul, Father Jack and their volunteers from The London Clinic and St Marylebone Parish Church.
“Our aim is to help to spread a bit of joy to those who need help most,” added Father Jack. “We’re grateful to the local businesses who have already supported our Changing Lives appeal – and with the public’s help we can go even further this year.”