The Reverse Advent Calendar Portsmouth is back for 2020 - this year we have gone virtual!

We wanted to harness this incredible community spirit again this year, as it’s been so tough on everyone, not least the most vulnerable in our community.

It all started in 2017 having a box in a corner of the Global office at the University of Portsmouth and thanks to the generosity of staff and colleagues it has grown and grown!

The idea of the Reverse Advent Calendar is simple - instead of taking something OUT, you put something IN like warm socks or a bar of chocolate. At the end of the month instead of an empty calendar, you have a box full of items to help those in need. The idea really struck a chord with people who wanted to help but weren't sure how. Year on year we have received hundreds of donations of food and other items which have been donated to our chosen local charities.

Each winter individuals, work teams and businesses have overwhelmed us with their generosity - benefitting many Portsmouth charities during the hardest time of the year.

Although we can’t safely accept items this year as we want to keep everyone safe, we put our heads together and created this Just Giving page.

This year all your donations will go to these two incredible charities.

The British Red Cross in Portsmouth who will use your donations to bring people home from hospital, make sure they have food and heating and support them whilst they recover.

The Trussell Trust Portsmouth will be able to purchase food and other essentials for those who really need our help this year.

How you can help

Why not get your teams/colleagues/friends and family involved?

Here's some ideas – if you’re in a workplace, ask your colleagues to donate the cost of their takeaway coffees for a week. If you are working from home, maybe you could donate the cost of a few days travel? And you could consider replacing the office Secret Santa with a donation instead (trust us, no-one needs another novelty tie!).

Small things can make a big difference. It’s been a tough year so let’s make Christmas a bit better for those in need in our City.

If you have any questions or queries please do get in touch with me via email hayley.wheeler@port.ac.uk

Take care, keep safe and thank you for your kindness #togetherwecan #reverseadventcalendarportsmouth