Local packaging business supports loneliness charity with festive initiative

Packaging manufacturer, GWP, has supported loneliness charity, Marmalade Trust, with its Christmas Cheer boxes initiative.

The firm - based in Cricklade - has donated hundreds of cardboard boxes that will be decorated and filled with Christmas gifts.

These boxes will then be taken by staff at Marmalade Trust, and distributed to individuals experiencing loneliness during the festive period.

This initiative is said to be part of a wider project run by the charity which involves funding Christmas Day meals at mini events in pubs and restaurants for those who would otherwise spend the day alone and providing a  hamper full of goodies, to some for whom this will be their only gift.

Ellie Burns, Event Coordinator at the Marmalade Trust, said: "For many, Christmas can be a sad, lonely and even dreaded time. We don't want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don't want to, so we provide a range of events and visits to those who are experiencing loneliness.

"Having support from businesses such as GWP is a great help and enables us to reach more people during this time."

The Marmalade Trust was founded in 2013, and prides itself upong being the only charity in the world dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness.

Through various projects, it identifies the people most at risk of experiencing loneliness in society, signpost them to the proper support and resources and empower them to make new friendships and connections. The Trust also aim to raise awareness about loneliness across all sections of society.

The charity's Christmas Cheer project aims to engage those who feel particularly lonely and isolated.

A spokesperson for the charity added: "This could be, for example, an older person who may have no family or friends around. Support includes Christmas lunches in pubs or restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the North Somerset region.

"Each member also receives a connection doorstep visit in November and a Christmas gift."

Jay Daggar, Sales Manager at GWP Packaging, said: “When The Marmalade Trust approached us, we were more than happy to help. Loneliness can be particularly acute during the festive period but it is clear that the charity does some fantastic work to help those who may be experiencing this over a long period of time.”

Besides their involvement with The Marmalade Trust, GWP has also supported various other community groups.

The manufacturer - part of Macfarlane Packaging - has provided extensive support for the Swindon Food Collective (formerly Swindon Foodbank), and sponsored the Cricklade Band's Christmas performances.

It has also supplied cardboard Christmas trees for primary school children to decorate.

Jay added: "As a business, we understand it is important to support local groups and charities. We are delighted to be able to help organisations such as The Marmalade Trust wherever possible."

GWP employs over 100 people across two sites in Wiltshire, designing and manufacturing a wide range of bespoke packaging products.

For more information on GWP, people can visit www.gwp.co.uk.

For further information on The Marmalade Trust, their events, activities, and how to get involved, people can visit www.marmaladetrust.org.