Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith has launched a reverse Christmas advent calendar appeal with the Wokingham Foodbank, her chosen charity of the year. The appeal was proposed at full council last month and each borough councillor was presented with a printed reverse Christmas advent calendar.
The reverse Christmas advent calendar appeal is open to all including borough councillors, residents and people who work, study or provide services in Wokingham Borough.
The reverse advent calendar appeal lists twenty-four items, including food and festive items, to be donated each day leading up to Christmas. The Mayor has asked all borough councillors to take part and bring their donated items to the next full council meeting on 17 November, ready for the Mayor to take them to the Wokingham Foodbank in time for the start of the Christmas countdown.
Traditionally, advent calendars are used to count down the days to Christmas and include a door to open each day which may reveal a picture, small chocolate or little gift. The reverse advent calendar is the opposite and includes an item each day to donate to a charity or good cause.
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith said: “I’ve seen first-hand the fantastic work the volunteers at the Wokingham Foodbank do each day and I am delighted to launch the reverse Christmas advent calendar appeal so that they can continue to provide essential items such as food and household goods to people who are struggling in the borough.
“Christmas is just around the corner and with the increased cost of living, energy, fuel and food prices continuing to spiral, now more than ever we must help local people in need. I am encouraging all residents, councillors and those who work, study or provide services to Wokingham Borough to take part in the reverse advent calendar this year. You can even team up with others and collectively donate the reverse advent calendar items or alternatively, you send a donation on the Wokingham Foodbank’s website. No matter how big your donation, your generosity will help those less fortunate in the borough have a happy Christmas.”
Annette Medhurst, manager at Wokingham Foodbank said: “As the cost of living soars, local people on the lowest incomes are being left with no option but to use our food bank. We will do everything in our power this winter to provide people with practical support and a warm, non-judgmental welcome - but we can only continue to do that with your help.
“We were blown away during the pandemic by the level of incredible generosity shown by people across Wokingham. The compassion and goodwill local people have for each other in our area is incredible. So, we are asking once again for your support. We know not everyone will be able to help, but if you are in a position to support us, please donate to help make sure we can keep going this winter and bring some festive cheer to people in our community.”
Take part in the reverse Christmas advent calendar
You can take part by visiting the Wokingham Foodbank’s website and downloading the reverse advent calendar, filling a bag or box with the items listed and donating to the Wokingham Foodbank at 498 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5EX.
Donations need to be dropped off by 3 December and are accepted on Mondays and Fridays between 10am to 12pm midday.
There will also be a special Christmas Donation session taking place at the Wokingham Foodbank on 3 December 2022 from 10am until 12pm midday.
Donate at council offices
A Foodbank collection box will also be located at the council’s office reception area in Shute End in Wokingham. Donations need to be dropped off by 2 December and are accepted Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
To meet the council’s climate emergency initiatives on reducing waste sent to landfill by saving paper, people are advised to take a photo of the reverse advent calendar.
Reverse advent calendar list
The full list of items on the reverse advent calendar includes:
1. Chocolate coins
2. Christmas pudding
3. Packet of festive biscuits
4. Box of chocolates
5. Six mince pies
6. Tinned fish
7. Christmas cake
8. Christmas crackers
9. Tinned ham
10. Christmas napkins
11. Tinned fruit
12. Jam or preservatives
13. Packet of dried stuffing mix
14. Tinned custard
15. Selection box
16. Tinned meat pie
17. Savoury biscuits
18. Chutney or pickle
19. Yule log
20. Long-life fruit juice
21. Festive crisps
22. Fruit and nut mix
23. Washing up liquid
24. Small packet of washing powder
About the Wokingham Foodbank
The Wokingham Foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in the local area. It is a foodbank available to all borough residents to use and is staffed mainly by volunteers. The Foodbank relies on the generosity of the people of Wokingham Borough and surrounding areas to donate sufficient food, supplies and cash to allow them to carry out this much needed service to local people in need.
More from Wokingham Borough Council
Stay connected
Stay connected to the communities around you. Enjoy the latest news, updates and highlights straight in your inbox. Subscribe to our Wokingham Borough Connect newsletters now.
