Charity: The Greenaway Foundation

The Greenaway Foundation is changing lives one Christmas dinner at a time and supporting families for the rest of the year as well, truly showing the real meaning of Christmas spirit and generosity 

In the heart of Sussex, a remarkable initiative has been transforming lives with compassion and generosity. Founded by Darren Greenaway, driven by a profound desire to make a meaningful impact, The Greenaway Foundation began with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide local families in need with all the ingredients for a wholesome two-course Christmas dinner. 

This heartfelt endeavour, which solely comprises volunteers, ensures that the festive season is a time of warmth and nourishment for those who might otherwise go without. 

Seven years ago, the charity took its mission a step further by invitingthe most in-need children from these families to make a wish for a Christmas present up to the value of £25. This touching gesture has since expanded, now encompassing all children from every family supported by the Foundation. 

This Christmas, the charity has set an ambitious target to raise £250,000, aiming to assist at least 2,000 families and make 4,000 wishes come true, a testament to their unwavering commitment to spreading joy. 

Throughout the year, The Greenaway Foundation hosts an array of fundraising events, from vibrant music festivals and engaging pub quizzes to charity golf days. The most recent golf day, held in October at Chatham Park Golf & Country Club and hosted by the East Grinstead Business Association, raised an impressive £8,500. These events not only bolster funds but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose. 

The Christmas efforts kick off in October, as the charity receives nominations from local schools, social services, other charities, and key workers. Each family is contacted personally, and Santa himself writes to the children to ask what they’d like for Christmas.

A dedicated team of ‘elves’ then works tirelessly to procure, collect,and deliver these wishes to Santa’s workshop.

By 16th December, theelves begin wrapping presents, preparing for the food hampers tobe organised on the 23rd. The elves continue on Christmas Eve morning, before the sun even rises. Then around 400 volunteer delivery drivers collect hampers and wishes, delivering them directly to families across East and West Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. 

Yet, the Foundation’s support extends far beyond the festive season. Year-round, they partner with schools to provide essential assistance with uniforms, transport, food, school proms, educational trips, and residential holidays. The Greenaway Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that Sussex families receive the support they need to thrive, whatever the time of year. 

www.greenawayfoundation.org