Following the overwhelming generosity of the Telford community last Christmas, Meeting Point House is once again appealing to local businesses and individuals to help spread some festive kindness — but this year, there's a new twist.

Meeting Point House and the award-winning Hummingbird Café in Telford Town Centre, is joining forces with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin to support a special Christmas dinner for older people on Sunday 20th December 2026.

Under the banner "Swap Secret Santa for Something That Really Matters", the appeal is encouraging businesses to rethink their traditional workplace Secret Santa celebrations.

Instead of spending £5, £10 or £15 on another novelty mug, pair of Christmas socks or unwanted gift, employees are being invited to donate that money towards helping make Christmas special for older people in their community.

The initiative follows the success of last year's Christmas appeal, when Meeting Point House received an extraordinary response from local people and businesses supporting its free Christmas dinner for people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

Wayne Jenson, Chief Executive Officer of Meeting Point Trust, said:

"Last Christmas, the generosity of our community was absolutely incredible. We asked for help, and people responded in ways that genuinely touched us. It reminded us just how much kindness and community spirit there is here in Telford – particularly from our Chamber breakfast network members.

"We wanted to build on that generosity this year, and working with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin gives us a wonderful opportunity to support older people who might otherwise find Christmas a difficult or lonely time.

"We've all been there — spending £10 on a Secret Santa gift for someone at work, often something that ends up in a cupboard or drawer!

"So, we're asking businesses to consider doing something a little different this Christmas. Imagine if every workplace across Telford and Shropshire donated the money they would normally spend on Secret Santa gifts. Collectively, we could make a real difference.

"It's a simple idea, but one that could have a genuinely meaningful impact."

The appeal is particularly aimed at local businesses, employers and workplace teams, encouraging them to get involved by replacing their usual Secret Santa exchange with a charitable collection.

Whether it's a small office of five people or a larger organisation with dozens of employees, every contribution will help support the initiative.

Wayne added:

 "We're not asking anyone to spend more money than they normally would at Christmas. We're simply asking them to consider spending it differently.

"Last year, our community was amazing. We even had funds left over to provide a free hot breakfast 3-days a week for those most in need all the way through until April.

For more information about supporting the Christmas appeal, please contact Meeting Point House.