Our Teams Deliver Christmas Joy with Present for a Pensioner, in Its Biggest Year Yet!

A Growing Tradition of Festive Kindness

It has been a truly magical season at CareYourWay South Devon, as the team celebrated the ninth year of its heartwarming Present for a Pensioner campaign. What began as a small gesture in East Allington back in 2005 has now evolved into a much-loved Christmas tradition, bringing comfort, companionship and festive joy to older people across the region.

This year marks a special milestone as CareYourWay celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the community came together in a way that made 2024 the biggest and brightest year the campaign has ever seen.

Community Support Makes It Possible

Thanks to the remarkable generosity of local businesses, supporters and residents, just over £2,000 was raised to support the initiative. Every penny helped the dedicated CareYourWay Elves lovingly handcraft 60 luxurious festive hampers, each one filled with thoughtful treats, activities and handmade items chosen to bring happiness throughout the Christmas period.

The hampers are now being delivered across South Devon to individuals nominated by healthcare professionals and community members. These are people who may be facing Christmas alone or who might not otherwise receive a gift. One recipient in Totnes shared:

This is such a big surprise, and a wonderful surprise. I’m very grateful and it’ll keep me enjoying treats for months, I think.

Local Businesses Step Forward

Generous support came from a wide range of local businesses, including Avon Mill Garden Centre, Totnes Cross Garage, Marsland Nash, Beers Solicitors and South Hams Lock & Key. Their kindness, along with contributions from the wider community, has left the team truly overwhelmed and grateful.

Fundraising Efforts Begin Early

Preparations began back in September at the Kingsbridge Show, where fundraising activities such as an exciting raffle, Name the Bear competition and community engagement helped set the campaign in motion. A recent Christmas Jumper Day across the entire team added even more festive cheer and helped push donations over the finishing line.

Jenna Murray, Registered Manager, shared:

This year's Present for a Pensioner event has been one of our biggest yet, and I am delighted to have been a part of it. Seeing our team come together with such energy and compassion has been truly inspiring. Every hamper represents more than a gift, it's a reminder to the people who received them that they are valued, remembered, and part of a community that really cares. The impact has been deeply felt, both with those receiving a hamper and everyone who helped to make this year such a success. 

A Local Idea That Grew Nationwide

What makes this year even more special is seeing how Present for a Pensioner has grown nationwide through CareYourWay’s franchise network. A tradition that began in one small village has now become a heartfelt national effort to combat loneliness at Christmas.

Ensuring No One Is Forgotten

As the hampers continue to reach doorsteps across South Devon, CareYourWay extends its warmest thanks to everyone who contributed. Together, the community has ensured that no one is forgotten this Christmas and that the true spirit of kindness continues to shine brightly.