*****UPDATE! #2.: No one is having an easy time of it right now and so we are hugely grateful to everyone who has reached out and donated to our Christmas Appeal.

The phenomenal kindness shown has meant that throughout December, we've been able to provide support in the form of vouchers for food, clothes, other essentials and toys to women and children in our refuges and/or who are accessing our services.

Here are a few comments from women who've received support:

'Today I am going shopping and am excited to be able to choose presents for my children.'

'I bought my kids some toys, clothes and shoes. This was a big help.'

'Before your help... I didnt have enough money to get the food and items I needed from the shop for me and my baby. Thank you.'

'I want to say a big thank you for your kindness and love and the gift of vouchers we received. I cannot express our joy and gratitude to you all. From our hearts we say a big thank you, and know that we appreciate all your love and care so much.' (From a mum and her children)

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped make a difference!!

Our Christmas Appeal is open until 11th Jan, so there's still time to donate if you'd like to.

All additional funds raised will be used to provide food, essentials and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse during 2021.

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas from all at Edinburgh Women's Aid!

*****UPDATE! #1.: Thank you so much to everyone donating to this appeal! We've been bowled over by your kindness and generosity! Funds raised are supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse to have a brighter Christmas this year. Thanks to the amazing generosity of everyone taking part, helping us to almost double our target, appeal funds will also contribute to providing food, essentials and support during 2021. Lockdown restrictions are difficult for us all, but particularly for women and children who are either living with an abuser or who have fled an abusive relationship. Your kindness is helping to provide much needed support this Christmas and beyond. Thank you! Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas from everyone at EWA! *****

EWA Christmas Appeal 2020

Every year Edinburgh Women's Aid hosts a Christmas Appeal to ensure that women and children living in our refuges across the city have something to look forward to at Christmas. Ordinarily we accept toys and gifts from generous individuals and staff teams within the local community who want to make a difference. This year, because of COVID, we've had to think differently.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in instances of domestic abuse and a surge in demand for our services. In addition, financial insecurity, social distancing and limited access to friends and family have made both escaping from an abuser and recovering from abuse even more frightening and difficult. Women and children whose lives are affected need our support now more than ever.

This year instead of asking for gifts, we are inviting you to make a small financial donation. With your help we can ensure that the women and children we support have a brighter Christmas. Funds raised will also enable us to provide food and other essentials for those in need over the coming year.

£10 would contribute to the cost of a Christmas meal for a woman and her children living in refuge.

£25 would contribute to the cost of presents, activities and trips over the holiday period to ensure that a child in refuge has a more enjoyable Christmas.

£50 would contribute to the cost of food and essentials for a woman and her children living in refuge over the Christmas holidays.

£75 would contribute to the cost of food and essentials over the holidays and beyond for women and children who have no access to other funds.

Last year Edinburgh Women's Aid supported almost 2000 women and over 150 children and young people.