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Collecting for children with disabilities – Millenáris Fogadó
Millenáris Kht. has organised its Christmas gift collection for the third time. Two years ago they collected for children in state care; last year for big families; and this year they would like to provide a memorable experience for children with disabilities. Gifts – including toys, books, sports equipment and musical instruments – are welcome every day from 8am - 8pm.
When: until 17 December
Where: Millenáris Fogadó (Budapest, II. district, Lövőház Street 39.)
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Charity programs at St. Stephen's Basilica
A number of charity initiatives are taking place in the Christmas fair in front of St. Stephen's Basilica this month, including the Óbuda Family Support Institute’s program, during which 20 children and their parents will be invited to a feast, and 30 children in need will receive gifts. To support - all you need to do is by some gingerbread! Win-win. In addition, Hungarian Inter-church Aid launches its national Advent fundraising program. In 2014, the charity creates a festive communal space outside the Basilica. At the donation point, the “Szeretet.éhség Sütöde” (“Love.hunger Bakery”), volunteers await everyone who donates with a gift gingerbread heart.
When: until 1 January 2015
Where: St. Stephen's Square
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Shoebox collection
The Shoebox (“cipősdoboz”) collection was started by a grandmother who gave away her belongings, and the trend reached Hungary about a decade ago. In past years they have collected and distributed more than 30, 000 boxes filled with gifts for sick, poor, orphaned and disabled children. The number of children who will become a bit happier this Christmas all depends on how many donate. So all you have to do to join in is to grab an empty shoebox, decide the gender and age of the child the donation is intended for, and then fill it with gifts that would make the little boy or girl very happy.
When: until 19 December
Where: here
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SantaFactory
The SantaFactory (“MikulásGyár”) collects preserved foods (pasta, canned food, oil, sugar, salt, flour etc.), cleaning and washing products, good quality clothing, blankets, toys, and books. Volunteers sort the donations into boxes, and then send these with the Hungarian Post to a given county centre of the Hungarian Red Cross. This is one of the best known and most respected charity programs in Europe. Last year 289, 000 children received gifts through this program. The tent is at the usual location at Ötvenhatosok Square, but selected shopping centres also have donation points.
When: until 21 December, 10am - 8pm
Where: Ötvenhatosok Square, Shopping centers
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Animals’ Christmas at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter
The now traditional Animals’ Christmas will be held on 14 December 2014 in the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter. We are able to choose our favourite animal from the shelter to receive some kind of a gift. Naturally, the greatest present for these animals is adoption, but unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to bring home an adorable critter.
When: 14 December, 11am - 3pm
Where: 171 Budapest, Csordakút Street
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Charity design auction - Design Terminal
At the auction of the Christmas Design Fair, we will be able to bid on the unique works of up-and-coming young Hungarian designers. The starting price is 3000 Ft for each item. The amount received during the Design Auction will support the greatest festive collaboration in the country - the Inter-church Aid fundraising campaign that we mentioned earlier.
When: 13 December at 7pm
Where: Design Terminal, see the Facebook event
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Coca-Cola truck
The Coca-Cola charity truck began its cross-country tour of Hungary on 7 December, visiting 15 different locations. In addition to bringing a festive mood, the truck also collects donations – especially preserved foods and candies – which will be distributed to families in need by volunteers of the biggest charity organisation in Hungary.
When: 15 December
Where: Óbuda, Auchan parking lot (Budapest, Szentendrei Street 115)
