For many children, Christmas is a time of excitement, presents under the tree and special moments with family.
But for the children and young people supported by Befriend a Child, the festive season can bring very different feelings. With financial pressures at home, struggles with mental health and other difficult life circumstances, many of the children the charity supports will have no gifts to open on Christmas morning.
This Christmas, Befriend a Child is once again bringing its Giving Tree Appeal back to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, helping to ensure that local children and young people have something to look forward to during the festive season and beyond.
The appeal gives local businesses, organisations and members of the community the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. From choosing a gift for a child to donating towards experiences and activities, every contribution can help create moments of happiness for children who may be facing challenges at home that are far beyond their years.
Befriend a Child is now calling on local businesses and organisations to become Giving Tree Partners and help make this year's appeal the biggest yet.
By displaying Giving Tree tags in their workplace, businesses can encourage colleagues, customers and visitors to choose a tag, purchase a gift and return it to the charity in time for Befriend a Child’s Annual Christmas Party, where the children will receive their gifts from Santa. For those preferring a digital option, businesses can take part virtually, by making a donation to support experiences and outings for young people and their volunteers in 2027, or by purchasing a gift directly via the charity’s Amazon Wishlist.
Jenna Simpson, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Befriend a Child, says: “For families already facing poverty and struggling with the rising cost of living, Christmas can bring even more financial pressure. When families are having to prioritise essentials, there may simply not be enough left to buy presents or create those special Christmas moments.
"No child should have to go without during what should be one of the most magical times of the year. Through the Giving Tree Appeal, our supporters can help bring that excitement to children on Christmas morning and give them something to smile about, while also helping create happy memories that last long beyond Christmas.”
Every gift donated has the potential to bring a smile to a child's face this Christmas, and relieve the pressures of their families who struggle during this time of year.
With the support of local businesses, community groups and the wider Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire community, Befriend a Child hopes to reach even more children through this year's Giving Tree Appeal.
If your business or organisation would like to become a Giving Tree Partner, register your interest today via givingtree@befriendachild.org.uk to find out more about how you can get involved.
A special thank you goes to Vattenfall, virtual sponsor of the 2026 Giving Tree Appeal, whose support is helping Befriend a Child reach more local children and young people and create moments of joy this Christmas and throughout the year.