.png)
SUPPORTING WOMEN IN REFUGES THIS CHRISTMAS
In a world that often turns away from the uncomfortable, Jess is choosing to show up. For the second year running, she is collecting and delivering gift bags to women in local refuges, helping them feel seen and supported at a time they need it most.
Seven years ago, Jess made the unthinkable decision to make herself and her children homeless to escape abuse. It was Christmas, and the refuge was her only safe option. She remembers waking up to a single bottle of Head & Shoulders, a small gesture, but one that made her feel forgotten. It’s a moment she’s never let go of.
That experience lit a fire in her. She vowed to never forget the women who would come after her... and to make sure they never faced it alone either.
Last year, 150 bags were hand-delivered by Jess to refuges across Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Each one was packed full of gifts, with love, care, and the message: you are not forgotten.
​
This year, it’s even bigger...
​
Jess is once again assembling 150 gift bags for women spending Christmas in a refuge. But she’s also:
-
Selling 100 empowering cards locally at £2.95 each, with all profits going directly to the project
-
Collecting supermarket food vouchers to help with everyday needs (donate HERE)
-
Partnering with local small businesses to add donation items to their online shops
This means that every single part of the campaign uplifts two groups Jess cares deeply about: women in crisis and small, independent businesses.​
​
​
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If you're local:​
If you're local to Stamford:
Please consider attending Jess and one of her business bestie, Naomi's FREE CRAFT EVENT HERE.
Buy a card, drop off a small gift to Jess’ office at Elevate, or purchase from a small local business. Also, if you attend a Fierce Women event, 10% of all ticket sales go towards buying supermarket vouchers.
​
If you're not local:
If you're not local: Donate towards a supermarket e-voucher HERE, post a small gift to Jess, or purchase a donation item online
Not in a position to buy a gift, but want to help:
If you can't donate but want to help: Share the campaign on social media and start conversations about why this matters
​
What to avoid:
Please avoid alcohol, sized items and second hand items. Refuges don't allow alcohol, we don't know the sizes of women and please remember that this may be the only gift these women receive so we want them to feel special. Many women are suffering from PTSD so please avoid in-person gifts and experiences.
​
Gift suggestions:
Imagine you're buying a small gift for a friend. Make up, nice toiletries (please avoid basic and sanitary products as these are provided), books, notebooks, jewellery, hair accessories, crafts, socks, chocolates, mindfulness items, adult colouring books, gloves, hats. scarves, nail varnish, face masks, foot masks, body sprays, perfumes, empowering books. And most importantly, wherever possible, shop small!
​
Support a small business and buy a gift by visiting the refuge highlight on Jess' page @thelittlebusinessfairy.
​
The cut off date for donations is 15th December.
​​
Last year, one woman saw the reel and found the strength to leave an abusive relationship. Jess says, "That alone makes every second worth it." This campaign is more than just giving gifts. It's about giving hope, dignity, and the reminder that someone, somewhere, cares.
​
Let’s make sure no woman feels forgotten this Christmas.​
​
If you need help, or are in danger, please call 999 or contact Women's Aid.
​
If you want to offer your services to a refuge, or support them in another way, please contact Refuge directly.
