Caridon Property distributes 208 Christmas gift bags to children

16th December 2022

Caridon Property, part of Caridon Group, has put together 208 gift bags and 208 sweetie bags for children living in their properties, ensuring that all children receive something this Christmas, as families come under increasing pressure due to the cost of living crisis.

Caridon arranged for Santa to deliver the gifts, with each child receiving a bag of sweets as well as a gift bag containing a mini doodle pad, twisty Christmas straw, crayons, stickers, Christmas colouring sheets. Susan Passman from Caridon started gathering the contents for the gifts back in the summer when the heatwave was at its hottest. She comments:

“I’ve done this for a few years now, and I know last year that some of the mums said that they were struggling so much financially that these were the only presents their children would receive. Knowing things are even more financially challenging this year for everyone, this spurred me on to make sure we not only provided a gift but added a little extra. We hope to build on this each year to ensure the children never go without a gift. My husband is still working from home and has become good friends with the Amazon delivery man whilst taking in all the parcels! It’s been like a military operation co-ordinating everything, but very rewarding to see the gifts going off to the children.”

As an organisation, Caridon has been working hard to help people struggling due to the rising cost of living, procuring grant funding where available in order to invest in making its properties more energy efficient to reduce costs for their tenants.

Caridon has also been partnering with more local organisations and food banks to support its tenants with food and basic essentials, and striving to bring a sense of community with regular socials.

CEO of Caridon Group, Mario Carrozzo, said:

“We are fortunate enough to have an incredible team of people working at Caridon who I know always give more than they are obligated to do, and Susan’s incredible efforts are just one example and so very much appreciated by the families these gifts are delivered to. Our tenants rely on our service and on our staff, but there are thousands of people around the country who haven’t yet received the support they need.

Christmas is a time for giving, but right now it’s important for us all to give a little more help, a bit more support, anything towards food donations, and perhaps even give just five minutes to listen to someone who needs to talk.”