Giving tree initiative receives over 300 donations

As part of the Giving Tree initiative, the leisure centres in Islington collected an amazing 316 Christmas presents.  These will now be donated for people to enjoy.   Customers and staff were invited to collect a tag from the Christmas tree, which included instructions on the type of gift to purchase.  The beautiful trees were kindly donated by Pines and Needles who have stores across the borough.  There was fantastic generosity shown across the six leisure centres who took part (Cally Pool & Gym, Highbury Leisure Centre, Sobell Leisure Centre, Islington Tennis Centre & Gym, Ironmonger Row Baths and Archway Leisure Centre).  A wide array of gifts were donated for both children and older residents.     

Statistics from the Joseph Rowntree foundation show that around 1 in 5 people in the UK are living in poverty.  This includes 4.2 million children and 2.1 million pensioners.  This type of initiative is aimed at supporting people who may struggle to buy presents this year.  The leisure centres have been great places to host the scheme, with many people of all ages visiting for sport and exercise activates.   

To ensure the presents go to those who need them, we partnered with community centres who will distribute the presents to local people.  This includes St Luke’s, The Peel Institute, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Caxton House, Highbury Roundhouse and Light Project Pro International.  Each of the community centres was paired with a nearby leisure centre.  They are all part of the Octopus Community Network, a mutual collaboration between 14 of Islington’s largest multi-purpose community centres.   

A big thank you to everyone who donated, we have been blown away by your generosity.  You will have made a real difference to someone this Christmas.  This is the first year we have run the appeal in Islington, we are planning to replicate the scheme in 2025.