Come and See What a Gift Day was held at Better Gym, Pancras Leisure Centre in the borough of Camden on Friday 5th December.
Returning to this location with more new clothing, toys and gifts so that parents who celebrate the festive season can put away in advance. Also for those parents who have children's birthdays coming up soon could do the same.
With a massive thank you to our core donators with customers from Lidl for the toys and gifts. And for Sainsbury's Dulwich, New Cross and Elephant & Castle for a wide variety of essential resources.
This time we were joined by newly joined SCIV (Sustainable Community Impact Volunteers) to help out at each donation station. A special thank you to Etsgenet, Alison, Francis, Hermine, Rolande and Samira who volunteered their time to Do Good for Good.
This event is all about responding to people with what do they need. All for free, just Come and See.
With a fantastic turnout that led to over 100 adults and children being impacted within households including pets too.
Attendees were able to register for more free events, and get access to supportive services. Local parents, individuals and gym visitors/members received access to free refreshments and an array of free resources to pick up. From non perishables, fruits, snacks, toiletries, baby essentials, pet food, new adult and children's clothing, toys and gifts.
People could not believe all the items were free and brand new. The donation variety and amount available, especially all the extra supportive services available to help narrate a person out of their need and help get back on their feet. We also had guest visitors pass through from tenant resident managers to individuals from Camden Council who were able to see the impact in action. Both beneficiaries and visitors passing through to pick up information all thought this was an amazing and well needed initiative in the community. One attendee stopped back at the registration desk on his way out to say thank you for all my gifts! He was over the moon and left with a very happy smile. This is what it is all about, an experience where an attendee does not know what they are going to get access too but it certainly is a gift.
A special thank to Nathan the branch manager and Ella, the Community Sports Manager for managing the rebooking of our event. Also to the Better Gyms team for helping with the onsite support and set up.
Grateful that we are able to host within a fitness, health and wellbeing environment to inspire households and people to make it part of their lifestyle.
The good news is that the left over donations were then distributed by the 6 SCIV within their local communities further adding to the impact and outreach.
The final outcome is the mutual agreement that the only way is up, and building back sustainably to help communities thrive is where it is going.
Be part of Come and See, it is free!
