Colmore Festive Guide: Charity Giving

Colmore BID is proud to highlight a selection of meaningful charity initiatives happening this festive season in Colmore Business District and beyond. With so many opportunities to make a positive impact – whether through volunteering, donating gifts for disadvantaged children, or supporting local causes – there’s no better time to spread some holiday cheer. From businesses to individuals, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help those in need. Join us in making this Christmas season brighter for others by supporting these wonderful initiatives and strengthening the spirit of community in Birmingham. 

Action into Change 

This holiday season, consider supporting Change into Action, a partnership aimed at tackling rough sleeping in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Launched in 2017, this Alternative Giving Scheme channels donations to local charities and street teams who work directly with rough sleepers, helping to address their specific needs. 

Donations are managed by Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC), ensuring they reach those who need it most. Your contribution helps transform the way they support homelessness. 

This Christmas, your donation can make a real difference – helping to change lives and support the most vulnerable in our community. There are contactless donation points at Snow Hill Train Station and 200 Degrees Coffee Shop on Colmore Row. 

Find out more here.

Christmas Grotto Volunteering 

The Ladywood Community Project is looking for volunteers to help bring joy to children from disadvantaged backgrounds at their 2024 Christmas Grotto experience. Volunteers will play the role of Santa’s helpers, assisting with directing families and supporting the overall event. The grotto will run on 17, 18 and 19 December from 15:30 to 18:00. Those interested in volunteering can contact Caron Hallahan at caron.hallahan@ladywoodcommunityproject.org.uk for more information. 

Sponsor a Child with a Christmas Gift

For the third year running, Colmore BID is partnering with the Ladywood Community Project to spread festive cheer to families in need. The organisation has been supporting low-income families in Birmingham for over 33 years, helping to ensure that no family feels isolated. This Christmas, they are hosting a special Breakfast with Santa event, where children from disadvantaged backgrounds will enjoy a magical experience, complete with a visit from Santa himself. 

Through the ‘Sponsor a Child with a Gift’ initiative, individuals and businesses are invited to provide a gift and warm clothing for a child, ensuring they have a joyful Christmas. Each child is handpicked by the project and is unlikely to have a Christmas experience at home. Gifts should be new, age-appropriate, and within a budget of £20-£40. Gifts are needed by 29th November. 

To help make a child’s Christmas brighter, please email Kelsey.dwyer@colmorebid.co.uk for more information on how to sponsor. 

Funding Request from Companies 

At Colmore BID, we work closely with local organisations like the Ladywood Community Project and St John’s & St Peter’s C of E School to run initiatives such as food donations, uniform drives, and special events. However, we know that there’s always more to be done. 

We’re reaching out to businesses to see if they have any funding opportunities or grants that can support the community-led initiatives and charities we work with in Ladywood. These contributions will go directly to funding projects that make a meaningful difference to local families. 

If your business offers any funding or grants, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Kelsey Dwyer at kelsey.dwyer@colmorebid.co.uk to learn more about how you can support these vital initiatives in the Ladywood community.