Hundreds of families living with trauma will receive hampers full of Christmas goodies after their annual party was cancelled due to the pandemic. Charity Body and Soul, which supports adults and children affected by trauma, set up the Big Christmas Give to show members they are valued.

Hollie Smith, from Body & Soul, said: “We always mark the end of the year with a big Christmas party to celebrate everyone’s achievements – big and small – so there was no question of us not to find a way to respond to such a difficult year. The office now looks like Santa’s Grotto as volunteers and staff pack hundreds of gifts and hampers.”

Volunteer Ruby Stringer, whose day job is in sustainable transport planning, realised the logistics of delivering hampers all over London would be “complicated”.

“It’s not very often that transport planning is seen as a useful skill and I thought this is my chance. We also wanted to make sure drivers had time to check in with members – and that it wasn’t just a delivery, but someone who cares,” she said.

Routing software company QRoutes came to the rescue and took on the challenge, creating a bespoke plan to deliver hundreds of hampers in time for Christmas.

Rob Roberston, from QRoutes, said: “Throughout the year, we’ve been helping organisations to plan deliveries around Covid restrictions. We are delighted to help Body & Soul bring some Christmas cheer to families in need.”

Readers can support Body & Soul here https://www.justgiving.com/bodyandsoul

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