Our impact this Christmas
Through our programme of activities and our Christmas Day event, we were delighted to bring joy and companionship to those who would otherwise be spending Christmas on their own. The programme brought not only festive cheer, but a meaningful sense of being remembered, included, and cared for.
Our biggest fundraising achievement yet!
Our 2025 Christmas appeal raised an incredible £26,850, funding our biggest festive programme to date and helping ensure every Link Friend received a Christmas gift — for some, the only one they would receive. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community groups, volunteers and donors, we delivered a range of joyful events including Curry Night at The Tamarind Tree, a Paint & Sip fundraiser with R Young Art Gallery and our growing Kindness Trees Campaign.
Activities and events
Pamper Morning
Many Link Friends miss small treats like hair or beauty appointments, which can feel out of reach. Catherine Taylor Salon generously hosted a special pamper day, where guests enjoyed coffee, cake, gentle treatments, and relaxed time to chat and laugh. A simple day of care made a meaningful difference to wellbeing — and the salon team loved it too.
Christmas Party
Our biggest Christmas party yet welcomed over 200 guests, marking the start of the festive season for Link Friends and volunteers. The day was filled with laughter, friendship, Christmas treats, and festive fun. Performers from Elements School of Dance brought joy and nostalgia, creating a lovely moment of connection across generations.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, from the bottom of my heart thank you… we were the party table dancing and singing to all the songs! The Link = friendship and support.”
Cinema & Festive Lunch
We took 19 Link Friends to a special screening of Miracle on 34th Street at Shinfield Cinema, sparking fond memories of cinema trips in their youth. Many Link Friends struggle to access the cinema now, due to cost, mobility, transport or just finding it all too difficult to arrange. Our trip broke down those barriers, and meant everyone felt safe and comfortable. The day ended with a festive lunch from the Tin Roof Café, complete with crackers, jokes, and plenty of laughter.
Carols & Cakes
For the second year, students at St Crispin’s hosted a joyful afternoon of live music, refreshments, homemade cakes, and intergenerational conversation. Link Friends loved chatting with the students, and a surprise visit from Father Christmas (with gifts wrapped by pupils) made the day extra special. One Link Friend told us this was the best thing they’d done all year! We love growing this partnership and look forward to coming back next year.
“Thank you for everything you did for our Mum. Your charity is life changing and we are so grateful.”
Link to Nature Christmas Craft
Our much-loved Christmas craft workshop welcomed 22 Link Friends and 5 volunteers. We were very grateful for the support of Wokingham Horticultural Association (WHA), as one member helped to design the decoration and another nurtured hyacinth bulbs from September so that they would be ready to bloom for the festive season. Guests enjoyed tea, cake, creative crafting, and friendly conversation, leaving with beautiful handmade arrangements. One Link Friend shared: “My fourth year… a lovely afternoon. Please do it again next year.”
Christmas Pie & Pint Club
The Wee Waif has hosted Link Visiting’s pie and pint club for over a decade, and the Christmas edition remains a firm favourite. With festive decorations, crackers and poppers, the room was filled with laughter, warmth and friendship as regulars welcomed newcomers in the true spirit of Link.
“Thank you so much for your generosity and help. I really appreciate knowing you are there to make life easier.”
Garden Centre and Pub Visit
Our expanded Festive Friendship event brought Link Friends together for hot drinks and cake in a cosy pub, creating a safe and welcoming space during what can be a difficult time of year. Guests then enjoyed a £15 garden centre voucher, explored festive displays, shopped for treats, and finished with a joyful walk through the Christmas lights. A magical day filled with connection and cheer.
Singalong
Led by Soph from Sing for your Self, this uplifting singalong brought 23 Link Friends together for festive music, refreshments, and connection. Supported by Southern Co-op, volunteers, and generous biscuit donations, the afternoon was filled with laughter, carols, and Christmas cheer.
Space for All Christmas Special
Our third Space for All Christmas Special at All Saints Church welcomed over 200 Link Friends to a joyful, community-filled celebration at All Saints Church. The event featured carol singing led by Soph from Sing for your Self and a moving candlelit reflection led by Rev’d Hannah, a beautiful example of community coming together. We are also incredibly lucky to have St Sebastian Brass Band join us.
“The Link is amazing. It made me start coming out again after my husband died. Thank you for everything.”
Christmas Day
On a freezing Christmas Day at WADE, we served 150 festive dinners to guests attending in person and at home, supported by an incredible 99 volunteers delivering meals, transport, and festive cheer. The day featured live carols led by Soph from Sing for your Self, special visitors, and coverage from BBC South Today. With food from Wellington College, treats from Waitrose & Partners, and tireless work from Fiona and her chef team, the event offered not just a warm meal, but meaningful companionship and connection.
Volunteer Post-Christmas Party
We welcomed 74 volunteers to a relaxed thank-you evening at Sedero Lounge, with drinks, nibbles, and plenty of laughter. One volunteer described it as “a lovely evening out with great friends”… a fitting celebration of our incredible volunteer community.
Community Kitchen
Our New Year Community Kitchen welcomed 36 Link Friends and 22 volunteers for a festive roast dinner, Christmas desserts, live music from AlphaWaves, and gifts to take home. Thanks to Arborfield Co-op, guests also received donated food to enjoy beyond the day.
Festive giving
All 530 Link Friends received a Christmas card, gift and newsletter, with extra presents for guests at our Christmas Day Lunch and Community Kitchen, around 700 cards shared in total. Pupils from Dolphin School, Nine Mile Ride Primary School, and Boys’ Brigade kindly created handmade cards, adding a personal touch. We also made 35 welfare calls between Christmas and New Year, offering extra support during a time that can feel especially lonely.
Our incredible volunteers
Our Christmas programme would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteers, who give their time, energy and kindness during what can also be a busy and emotionally demanding season for them. From providing transport and delivering gifts, to wrapping presents, offering companionship, and making Christmas welfare calls, volunteers of all ages played a vital role in ensuring our Link Friends felt remembered, supported and cared for.
Many volunteers chose to spend their festive period helping others - a powerful example of community in action, and a reminder that Christmas is not just about celebration, but about showing up for each other when it matters most.
“To the most caring, helpful and nice people around. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve give me the incentive to never give in during unhappy and stressful times. So thank you all. You deserve all the accolades you receive”
A heartfelt thank you
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following organisations whose unwavering support made our initiatives possible:
52 Lives
Barkham Ladies Social Group
Bearwood Lakes Golf Course - ladies section
Berkshire Masonic Charity
Berkshire Physiotherapy
Blandy & Blandy Solicitors
Business Volunteers
CP Law Solicitors
David Cliff Estate Agents
Earley Town Council
Easthampstead Rotary Club
Elements Dance & Theatre School
Equiniti
Finchampstead Baptist Church & Centre
Fiona Parry Boutique
First Days Children's Charity
Floreat Montague Park School
Haines Hill Charitable Trust
Handmade Cake Co
Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh
James Cowper Kreston Foundation
Johnson and Johnson
Kevin Lowen
Michael Aubrey Partnership Ltd
Morrisons, Woosehill
Newbury Building Society
Nine Mile Ride Primary School
Nuffield Health & Wellbeing Gym
Phoenix Ukelele Band
Places Leisure
R Young Gallery
Riseley, Swallowfield & Farley Hill Charitable Trust
Second Wind
Sedero Lounge
Shinfield Parish Council
Shinfield Studios
Sing for your Self
St Crispins' School
SUEZ Recycling & Recovery UK
Swallowfield Horticultural Society
Tamarind Tree
Tesco, Wokingham
United Airlines
Vodafone
WADE Day Centre
Waitrose Community Matters Scheme
Wellington College
Wokingham Free Church Burial Ground
Wokingham Lions
Wokingham Singers
Wokingham Town Council
Wokingham United Charities
Woodley Town Council
Woosehill Church Wokingham
The power of kindness
This Christmas programme was only possible because of the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our staff and volunteers. From donations and fundraising to spreading the word and giving gifts, every contribution helped bring warmth, joy and connection to older people in our community.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part. Together, you genuinely helped make a real meaningful difference this Christmas, reminding us of the power of kindness and community.