As we all get ready for the festivities next week we will all begin to receive many Christmas cards from our family and friends. Many of you will also begin to send out your cards to everyone you care about. In the world today there is a gran variety of card big or little, with pictures ranging from nativity scenes to novelty cartoons. In the United Kingdom we send out around 900 million Christmas cards every year and I am sure this will be no exception.
However, this year I have decided not to send out Christmas cards, but instead donate money to the local homelessness charity HARP. This money will help give the most vulnerable in our society the opportunity not only to enjoy Christmas at the HARP day centre but also be able to be reached by the team at HARP so they can get the help they need to get off the streets for good. Speaking to many constituents on this matter it seems that many of you have had a similar idea when it comes to Christmas cards this year, and for anyone who is looking to donate to HARP you can do so at: https://www.harpsouthend.org.uk/donate
I am sure many of you are looking forward to the festivities next week but I would urge you to spare a small thought for those less fortunate both in Southend but also around the world. Christmas is a wonderful time of year but for some it can be just another day of struggling. That is why I am pleased that charities such as HARP are opening their doors to ensure that the holidays can be enjoyed by everyone.
As always, if you or someone close to you have any concerns that I may be of assistance with as the local Member of Parliament please do not hesitate to contact me by email at [email protected].
With that said, I would like to wish you all and very Merry Christmas.
