I've never been into Xmas cards, and Which? magazine has some scary research which found that high street shops are passing on as little as 6% of the price of charity Christmas cards to charities.

So this is my card-lite Christmas page, so first things first, merry Christmas/Solstice and a happy New Year!

Rather than sending me a Christmas card this year, please would you make a minimum donation of £2.00 to my chosen charity. That way 100% of your donation is sent directly to the charity and if you're a UK tax payer, JustGiving will reclaim Gift Aid on the charity's behalf.

What's more, you're saving the energy that goes into making, distributing, posting and disposing of a card, so it's better for the environment.



So what has 2009 been like for me? It's been good, with the usual ups and downs, both personally and for Re~Cycle, my charity shipping unwanted bicycles to Africa.

The good news is that at last young Cai is going to the toilet, with a little bribery,

wee in toilet = sticker

poo in toilet = 2 chocolates

or dry nappy for the day = 2 chocolates

Yes, I know its not ideal, but hey, 'by any means necessary'!

If you'd like to create your own cardless Christmas page? Click on this link, choose your charity (preferably Re~Cycle - charity registration 1063570) and your page will automatically be associated with the JustGiving cardless Christmas event.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Enjoy your festive season   :)

Many thanks for your support

Merlin