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A Christmas present with a difference

27th November 2020

Categories: Visitor News

With COVID driving a surge in online shopping this Christmas, many of us are embarking on a virtual search for the perfect gift this year. You can spend hours browsing to find a present that’s just right, but it’s rare to find something that both you and the recipient feel good about. That’s where charity gifts come in.

Giving to a charity on behalf of someone else is not only easy, it provides much needed support for important causes and can bring a different kind of happiness to you and your loved one. Whether it’s donating to a person, project or general cause – these gifts can make a difference to those that need it most.

How to choose the right cause

The good thing about charity gifts, unlike traditional Christmas presents, is that no matter what gift you choose – you can be safe in the knowledge that your contribution is helping to make the world a better. Our top tip would be to pick something that your recipient has a personal connection to, whether it’s by location or by the type of cause you give to. Think about whether that person would want to have an impact locally in their community, support an environmental project nearby or perhaps contribute to the global fight against climate change.

Giving back to the Coast Path

For anyone who loves to walk, spend time outdoors and connect with nature – a charity gift to the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) could be just what you’re looking for. Not only does £10 go directly back to maintenance, repairs, and improvements of Britain’s longest National Trail it also gifts the person everything they need to start their own adventure on this magnificent Trail. For just £26.50, your loved one will receive the official South West Coast Path Guidebook (worth £14), two charity magazines and monthly newsletters updating them on how their contribution is making a difference, a free certificate and badge for when they complete the walk, along with fantastic discounts and special offers throughout the year.

What cause will you be helping

The South West Coast Path provides health-giving happiness to millions of people every year, it connects hundreds of coastal communities, helps the region’s rural economy thrive and is one of our most precious wildlife corridors. It is a vehicle for change, that if supported, could help us repair the disconnect between us and our environment. Yet less than 1% of people who use the Path, give back to it - and the Path’s very existence is under serious threat.

Increasingly severe storms, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and increased footfall are just some of the challenges the Path is facing. And the costs of looking after it continue to soar. Over the past five years, the SWCPA had to invest an extra £2 million to keep the Path in good condition, and yet the Path remains vulnerable. Climate change is already having visible effects on the world and if we don’t act now, untold damage to our region’s coastline is a future we’re all walking towards.

With the help of charity gifts, the SWCPA can increase the Path’s resilience against the onslaught of extreme weather; conserve the Trail corridor’s rich biodiversity and distinct cultural heritage; support the south west tourism economy and demonstrate the real, positive impact it has on people’s health and wellbeing. With your help, the South West Coast Path will only survive, but thrive – benefitting all of society.

To buy someone a Gift Membership to the SWCPA, visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/giftmembership

*Post provided by South West Coast Path*