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Christmas kids appeal hopes to raise €

WITH Christmas being a time to give back and show kindness to others, the supermarket chain Aldi will be implementing several initiatives in stores nationwide to help raise funds for its charity partner, Barnardos, and hoping to raise €1 million for the charity by 2022.

Giving back to those who need it most couldn’t be easier with initiatives including the sale of charity plush toys, charity Christmas cards and a nationwide ‘Text to Donate’ campaign. is Christmas, customers nationwide can help Aldi support Barnardos and children in need by texting KIDS to 50300, texts costs €4, Barnardos will receive a minimum of €3.60, SP: LIKECHARITY, HELPLINE: 01 481 9311.

Along with this, Aldi have a selection of cute and cuddly plush toys, with donation of €5,000 from the sale of these plush toys going to the retailer’s charity partner. eir Christmas cards will raise approximately €30,000 for Barnardos families.

Speaking about the launch of their Christmas Campaign with Barnardos, John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland said: “We are really committed to achieving our target of €1million for our fantastic charity partner, Barnardos. Rolling out across all 149 stores nationwide will help us achieve this goal. Whether it’s picking up a Christmas card to send to a loved one or a Christmas toy to place under the tree, it was a no-brainer to introduce these charity elements in our stores, allowing customers the freedom to donate when picking up their groceries.”

For more information, and to nd your local store, visit www. aldi.ie.

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said: “As we approach the Christmas period we know that what should be a time of excitement and anticipation is often a time of worry and anxiety for many of our families. Having the support of a partner such as Aldi means we can really be there for those that need us and we ask that the public continue to support the wonderful in-store fundraisers Aldi are rolling out nationwide. With your help, we can make this a Christmas to remember for nearly 18,000 children and families in communities across Ireland.”

On the ball: at the launch of Aldi’s Christmas charity initiatives in aid of Barnardos are rugby ace Paul O’Connell, Aldi ambassador and Barnardos advocate, with L.J Hughes, (5) and Maria Rowley (7)

How to have a sustainable and green Christmas

Christmas Trees

Real trees are actually more eco-friendly than arti cial trees. e #1 option is to buy a potted Christmas tree which is still alive. You can keep it inside for about a week while afterward you’ll need to keep it outdoors. However, if one week indoors isn’t enough buy a real tree and compost it afterwards.

Buy Irish trees and compost

Life Cycle Analysis shows that, if you buy locally grown trees, the carbon footprint will be much lower than that of arti cial trees which are typically imported from China and cannot be recycled. Each conifer sucks up over a ton of CO2 a year. Typically each tree cut down is replaced with one or two new trees in Ireland. Furthermore, trees brought to local authority depots are turned into mulch for parks, putting carbon into the soil. Locally sourced trees which are composted are sustainable and environmentally friendly. pine cones and use them to decorate your tree instead of manufactured baubles. 1.) Go for a minimalist approach and use sustainable materials such as cotton, silk or hemp to create bows and add colour. 2.) Use LED lights which are more energy e cient. 3.) Use a timer power strip to ensure the lights are o when you’re asleep or out of the house. 4.) Try using vodka or wine bottles as decorations by inserting led lights or candles into them. 5.) Use fruit and berries to add colour and decoration to your tree and wreath.

Gifts and wrapping

Make your gifts stand out by wrapping them in sustainable materials, wrap your gifts in organic cotton, hemp or silk and tie with some twine. Alternatively, use a container which is also part of your gift such as packing a gift inside of a clay ower pot and tie the saucer over it with twine. ed conifer branches, pine cones, berries and apples to make a very tasteful wreath for your front door or o ce. Wreaths can also serve as bird-feeders and might attract some winter birds to your door.

Recyclables as decorations

Rather than buying decorations, get creative with your recyclables. Vodka bottles, wine bottles and even beer bottles can easily be repurposed as table decorations and candle-holders. You can make origami using old Christmas cards.

Ethical gifting

Gifting fair trade consumables can be a great way to promote the movement and raise awareness among family and friends of their power to buy ethically. Wide ranges of chocolates, teas and coffees are available – remember to look for the fair trade logo to the left.

Make a list and check it twice

Planning is the key to reducing waste. Sit down and make some calculations about how much food you will need. Make a list, check it twice and stick to it!