The Giving tree is an annual Cross-Community effort to make Christmas a brighter and happier time for families in need in Northern Ireland.

The Giving Tree works on multiple fronts, including Belfast Central Mission's annual Toy Appeal, and St Vincent De Paul NI's annual Christmas Appeal to support families in need at Christmas time. This campaign supports each initiative equally and encourages close co-working to achieve the best outcome for our families and children.

In 2022, through its community partners, the Toy Appeal distributed over 4,200 gift parcels across Belfast and Northern Ireland and is keen to top that figure for the 2023 appeal. We hope to match this with financial support to families - allowing families breathing room to 'do Christmas' without jeopardising already stretched household budgets.

The service is delivered by Belfast Central Mission, in partnership with both St Vincent de Paul, and the Ni Civil Service. BCM is encouraging individuals, workplaces, organisations, and communities to help them provide a sense of joy to as many families as possible.

Mary Waide, Regional President of St Vincent de Paul for the North Region, said: “We all know how important it is to experience the wonder of Christmas. A time of year for giving those who are faced with impossible choices the dignity and choice to celebrate Christmas in the most special way. Last year SVP spent £5m in assistance to families and individuals living in poverty and this is made possible by the generous donations that the Society receives. Relationships like that of Belfast Central Mission and Department for Communities help us to deliver help right into the heart of local communities across the Region at Christmas, when a voucher can help a dad buy the gift the child has asked Santa for or help mum put the Christmas dinner on the table. We are grateful for your continued dedication in supporting our Christmas Appeal.”

For over 30 years, Belfast Central Mission (BCM) has been collecting and distributing toys and gifts for children and young people at Christmas. In partnership with SVPNI, half of your donated money will be put to important use- supporting families with the significant cost of Christmas with food and utilities.

Janet Sewell is the Community Services Manager and Christmas Appeal Coordinator at BCM, she said:

“We know that this year is going to be difficult for a lot more people due to the rising cost of living, and we are already receiving calls for help ahead of Christmas. We would like to see more people than ever be able to help us at a local level in providing that sense of Christmas magic that can unfortunately be missing from so many homes due to the expense of buying toys and gifts.”