'Give me the gift of Christmas': Money Wellness helps bring festive joy to older people

Christmas can be a joyful time for many, but for some, it’s a time of loneliness. Imagine Christmas Day without presents, without family around, or without anyone to share the festive cheer?  

Sadly, that’s the reality for far too many older people. 

Startling figures from Age UK show that one in ten pensioners say they don’t have anyone to turn to and around 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than at any other time of the year. Some won’t receive a single gift this year.  

We decided to do something about it and help put a smile on an older person’s face.  

Bringing some Christmas cheer to those who need it most  

We teamed up with Dunelm’s Delivering Joy festive initiative, in partnership with Age UK. This campaign has already delivered nearly a quarter of a million gifts over the past four years. And it’s not just about presents, it’s about bringing hope and a little cheer to those who need it most. 

How we got involved  

Throughout December, our incredible colleagues have been busy filling the office with gifts. Under two beautifully decorated Christmas trees, we placed gift tags that anyone could pick up. Each tag held a special request from an older person. One elderly lady asked for fluffy slippers, while a gentleman requested crisps and beer!  

Hidden among the baubles and gifts was the Money Wellness elf – AKA our fabulous colleague, Lohia Smart, who came up with the great idea.  

On 13 December, four shopping trolleys, four full baskets and a large Santa sack filled with more gifts were delivered to the collection centre at a Dunhelm story in Radcliffe, ready to be distributed to older people in need. 

But what sparked this heartwarming idea?

We caught up with Lohia to dig a little deeper. 

A Q&A with ‘elf’ Lohia Smart  

What’s your role at Money Wellness and how long have you worked here?   

I joined Money Wellness at the end of February 2023. My starting role was on triage and have recently joined the general advice team.  

What inspired you to come up with the ‘give the gift of Christmas' idea?   

My eldest daughter mentioned the Christmas tree tags campaign as she had picked some up for animal welfare. As soon as she mentioned it, I said, “come on let's walk over and get some more tags.” When we got to the store, the first tag I looked at absolutely grabbed my heart and I cleared most of the tree of tags.   

Working on the phones, we speak to a lot of people who are struggling. It’s heartbreaking when I speak to an elderly person, who has to choose whether to eat or keep warm.

I was so excited that evening, that as soon as I got home, I messaged Mercedes (as part of the charity ambassadors) to see if it was something we could do across the business.  

I spoke to a lady called Gemma at Dunelm and explained what I was looking to do and she smiled and provided me with extra tags. 

Roughly how many tags were put on our Christmas trees? 

In total, I took 70 tags, and I believe 60 of them were given out in the office and put on the trees.  

The tags were supplied by Dunelm. Dunelm are given a list of requests to add on to the tags.  

Can you share a couple of the most inspiring and heart-breaking messages you received? 

The first tag that caught my heart was “nice biscuits and a brew to share with a friend.”  Another was a 92-year-old male who asked for some “beer, crisps and chocolate.” Others said “a festive plant for my home” and “something to keep me warm.” 

How many gifts did we receive and what were they? 

There were over 50 gift bags and some gifts not in bags. Well over 300 items were gifted. There were so many gifts from biscuits to beer, blankets and PJs, socks and slippers in both male and female, chocolates, sweets, hot water bottles, even a tea pot and cup sets. So many wonderful gifts. I wish I could have looked at them all. These are just a few examples.  

Were there any surprising or unexpected moments during the gift collection/distribution? 

I was absolute blown away at how quick the tags went from the trees and then to be told there were people asking for more tags. The most precious moment was seeing them all under the tree in the office.

The reaction of the Dunelm staff was also great to see. 

How does it feel to know that your idea has brought so much joy to others this Christmas? 

This is a hard one. I am busting with pride, so much festive love, it makes me teary-eyed seeing what has been achieved. Just like the scene in Elf where he is in the department store and is excited as Santa is coming, because he knows Santa. This... this is me! 

What’s your personal message to those who participated in this campaign? 

From the absolute bottom of my crazy lil’ feet through to my combustible crazy head to infinity, I massively appreciate every single gift, thought and support you have all given. Thank you doesn't seem enough, but I whole heartedly thank you for your generosity and support.  

Without you all this would not have been possible. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in our ‘give me the gift of Christmas’ campaign. Your contribution will help make Christmas brighter for someone.