The Lewis Foundation has launched two Christmas campaigns and is urging Northamptonshire businesses to get involved, as demand for support from adults receiving cancer treatment continues to rise across local hospitals.
The Northampton charity, which delivers around 2,000 free gift packs to patients every month, is inviting employers to use the festive period to strengthen their corporate social responsibility activity and help ensure no patient feels forgotten during treatment.
Running through November and December, the Delivering Happiness campaign and the charity’s Christmas Hamper Appeal both rely heavily on business involvement. The Giving Tree initiative, part of Delivering Happiness, enables workplaces to collect comfort packs by encouraging staff to select a tag listing items such as blankets, toiletries or book packs. Businesses can host their own Giving Tree or direct employees to the charity’s collection points at The Link Café in Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, The Elgar Centre Café and The Lewis Foundation Outlet Store in the Grosvenor Centre.
The charity introduced the Delivering Happiness campaign after the Northampton Dunelm store, which previously ran a large annual collection, closed due to fire. Local organisations are now being asked to fill the gap to ensure patients still receive donated gifts this Christmas.
The Lewis Foundation is also seeking sponsors for its ninth annual Christmas Hamper Appeal. Each £45 hamper contains festive treats supplied by Waitrose and is delivered directly to adults on oncology wards. Businesses can sponsor multiple hampers and add a personalised message or company logo, making it a visible and meaningful way to support the community during the festive period.
Several Northamptonshire employers have already committed to the 2025 campaign, including Glazerite Limited, Haus of HR, Boey VA, Olde Cobbler, Home Instead Northampton, Luton Point, Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors, Bob – Pain Free Living, Paula Hancock, Joshua Thomas Media and Quinton House School.
Lorraine Lewis, co-founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, said business engagement is essential this year. “Christmas can be a tough time for people undergoing cancer treatment,” said Lorraine. “The support we receive from local companies ensures patients feel cared for at a moment when it matters most. Every gift or sponsored hamper is a reminder that the business community is standing beside them.”
A former hamper recipient described the difference the charity makes, saying the surprise “cheered both my husband and me at a very difficult time”.
The Lewis Foundation works with nearly fifty volunteers and seventeen hospitals across the Midlands and East of England. Businesses wishing to take part in this year’s campaigns can email christmas@thelewisfoundation.co.uk for full details.
