Shopping with charities. CCGG #17

Blogmas on the CancerCarerChats blog is a daily charitable Christmas gift guide with a twist - each post will feature an idea for a charitable act.  Christmas is a time for giving whether it be for someone you know or for a stranger.  Take the time at this time of the year to do a good deed, just one small act can help someone who is less fortunate than you are.  

As a reminder, my mum was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in March 2017 when I started this blog to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of ovarian cancer and my life as a carer.  I care for my mum, trying to ease some of the load on her and walk by her side on this journey.  It’s just as hard to watch someone you love go through pain, than to experience it yourself.

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I live in a small tourist town (there’s some controversy when newbies call it a village!!) where the population is just over 3000 people with a small co-op, a post office and a small high street with a few shops.  As it’s a tourist town, the shops are mainly geared towards the tourists with overpriced women’s clothing and jewellery.  Nestled in the middle of this thriving high street is a single independently owned book shop which has been going strong for years and which all the locals support for its commitment to remain independent and go strong.  I love the versatile offer of books in this shop and the basket in the corner with hand painted gift cards.  There is only one copy of every book and a book shop owner who will give you excellent recommendations.  I purchase all my books from there as I love the idea of being able to support the independent retailer just as much as I love shopping.  To be honest, it gives me a great excuse to shop.  If I can support a worthy cause as I shop, then I will do so.  There are many charities out there that have great gifts for Christmas and you can support a great charity as you shop this Christmas.

WWF.  This year, buy a gift with a difference by supporting WWF and either adopting an animal or purchasing a gift from the WWF shop.  If you know that a family member loves a certain endangered species then why not adopt one for them such as a panda, leopard or gorilla.  Great! as a last minute gift which will make you appear extremely thoughtful and caring.  You can simply print a personalised gift certificate online, frame it and present to them on Christmas day.  The shop has some amazing cuddly toys which children and young adults will also love. 

Unicef has an amazing range of beautiful jewellery, clothes and homeware available on their website which I was not aware of until recently aswell as some handmade, unique gifts.  When you purchase from Unicef Market, you're helping to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow's children.  Just one pack of greetings cards could provide nine doses of measles vaccine to protect children against this killer disease. Just one handmade necklace made by artisans in Peru can help vaccinate over 100 children against Polio.

Some charities are known for their high street shops as they sell one off items, such as Cancer Research UK and Oxfam but did you know that these charities also have online shops so you can support them from your sofa without having to leave your home.

Cancer Research UK have released their Christmas range with some gorgeous winter themed cushions.  You can support a charity aswell as re-decorate your home.

Oxfam.  Aswell as being able to donate to help end poverty, you can also purchase gifts and buy one off items.  Whilst browsing on the site, I found some great vintage clothing that date back to the 1950’s, real collector’s items!

Why not make your Christmas gift go a little further this year by helping a good cause when purchasing a Christmas present as opposed to giving more money to Amazon or other high street retailers.  This year, when Christmas shopping, give back to the community too.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

T – Toilet habit changes

E – Energy levels dropping

A – Abdominal pain/ swelling

L – Loss of appetite

Mx