As Christmas approaches, Befriend a Child is issuing a call for a business or organisation to become the sponsor of its 2026 Giving Tree Appeal, helping to ensure that children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have gifts to open on Christmas morning and opportunities to create special memories throughout the year ahead.
For many children, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration and anticipation. But for children experiencing poverty, neglect, family difficulties or social isolation, the festive period can be a particularly challenging time. A Christmas gift may seem like a small thing, but for a child who may otherwise have little to look forward to, it can mean so much more.
As sponsor, your organisation will receive prominent recognition across the campaign, including promotion on over 3,500 Giving Tree tags distributed throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, as well as dedicated recognition across Befriend a Child’s social media channels and relevant press coverage before, during and after the appeal. Most importantly, your organisation will be able to see the difference its support makes.
The sponsor will be invited to Befriend a Child’s Christmas Party, providing a unique opportunity to experience the joy of the appeal first-hand and see children receiving their gifts and enjoying the magic of Christmas.
Befriend a Child supports more than 270 children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through 1:1 befriending and mentoring, family support and youth clubs. Throughout the year, trained volunteers provide vital positive relationships, helping children build confidence, resilience and brighter futures. At Christmas, the Giving Tree Appeal brings together businesses, community groups and individuals from across the region to give something back to the children and young people at the heart of the charity’s work.
Giving Tree Partners display personalised tags on their Christmas trees, allowing staff, customers, clients and visitors to choose a gift for a child that we support. Gifts are then returned to Befriend a Child and distributed in time for Christmas. Supporters can also contribute monetary donations towards experiences for children and their volunteers or purchase items through the charity’s Amazon Wishlist.
The impact of the appeal reaches far beyond a single Christmas morning. In 2025, the Giving Tree Appeal collected more than 2,600 gifts and raised over £22,000, helping to provide memorable experiences for children and their volunteers throughout 2026. More than 120 local businesses also came together as Giving Tree Partners, creating a huge network of festive support across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Becoming the sponsor of the appeal provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference to children and young people across the region, while putting your organisation at the heart of one of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s most meaningful Christmas campaigns.
The Giving Tree Appeal has a significant geographical reach, with Giving Trees and collection points hosted by organisations across the city and wider Aberdeenshire. From workplaces and offices to retail spaces and community venues, the campaign brings the sponsor’s name and support into communities right across the region.
Jenna Simpson, Senior Fundraising Coordinator at Befriend a Child said: “For a child, a gift under the tree can be a reminder that someone in their community cares about them. For another child, support towards an experience might mean getting to try something new, make a happy memory and spend quality time with their trusted volunteer who supports them throughout the year. By becoming the sponsor of the Giving Tree Appeal, your organisation can help make those moments possible for children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”
With the deadline to secure the 2026 sponsor approaching, Befriend a Child is encouraging organisations who want to make a genuine difference this Christmas to get in touch now. To find out more about becoming the sponsor of the Giving Tree Appeal 2026, please contact Jenna at j.simpson@befriendachild.org.uk.
Befriend a Child would also like to extend its thanks to Vattenfall who is sponsoring the campaign as Virtual Campaign sponsor. This marks the first time Vattenfall has sponsored the campaign, making their support a particularly special milestone. The charity is incredibly grateful to Vattenfall for backing the campaign and helping to raise vital awareness and funds to support children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.