Big Give Christmas Challenge: Pounds for Paddington

Charities across the country, including some here on the doorstep in Paddington, are preparing for seven days of furious fundraising in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. Between 12 noon on Tuesday 27 November and 12 noon on Tuesday 4 December, any donations made to charities who are part of the campaign, will have their fundraising doubled by philanthropists.

Among those local charities taking part are Greenhouse Sports and St Mary Mags Project - both of which have completed ambitious restoration projects this year to local churches, to create new community spaces. The Paddington Partnership’s Community Programme support both charities with volunteers and the Big Give is an easy way for you to get behind these local causes.

Greenhouse Sports deliver sports coaching in primary and secondary schools across London, reaching around 3,000 young people each week. Earlier this year, the charity opened a dedicated community sports facility in Church Street. Open to all, the converted deconsecrated Grade II* listed church provides state-of-the-art sports facilities; inspiring and empowering those who live and work in the community to participate in sport.

Funds raised through the Big Give will be used to encourage 11 – 18 year olds living in disadvantaged areas to participate in sport. By donating to this cause, you will help to fund the inspirational sports coaches who do this work.

St Mary Mags has also overseen a painstaking restoration of a Grade 1 listed church in North Paddington this year. Big Give funding will be used to engage young people and families in a programme of arts and cultural activities in this space. The Living Heritage St Mary Mags project will introduce children and young people to new cultures, interests and activities through a programme of festivals, community days and work with schools; in turn strengthening social ties and understanding within a disadvantaged community.