Features / Christmas 2020
Charity brings Christmas gifts to Bristol’s Polish families
Christmas is coming. Soon we will sit at heaving tables, sing carols, and give presents to our friends and families – especially to the children, who have waited all year long for Santa’s visit. In the Polish tradition, Santa Claus visits children twice a year – on December 6, which is Santa’s name day, and on December 24, Christmas Eve.
Unfortunately, not all children have a chance to get their dream gift. The financial situation of many Polish families living in Bristol is very difficult.
Anna Osowska, the founder of Siłaczki, a group which has been active in Bristol since 2016, will visit Polish children living in Bristol on December 11 and 12, bringing Santa Claus along.
is needed now More than ever
In 2017 and 2018, Siłaczki organised the St Nicholas’ Gift Factory, an event for about 250 Polish children. During both events, children received small gifts from Santa and his elves in a riot of Christmas cheer.
”Through such events, we promote Polish traditions and customs, celebrate Polish celebrations and teach Polishness,” says Anna Osowska. ”Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, our organisation cannot arrange a big gathering in one place this year. That is why we decided to visit the children at their place of residence – abiding, of course, by the lockdown rules. We focus especially on children from families in difficult life and financial situations.
“We already have about 50 requests for gifts; we want to give presents to as many small Poles as we can. Therefore, we need sponsors. So far, the action has been supported by the Polish embassy and local entrepreneurs, for which I thank them very much. However, we still encourage companies and individuals to join in.
“Every child will receive a package, which will contain a book, a toy and sweets, and if we find more sponsors, we will be able to include clothes or vouchers for clothing shops.”
In previous years, Bristol-based voluntary group Siłaczki has given out Christmas gifts to hundreds of children. Photo by Anna Osowska
Many of the children who will receive donations are looked after by the Polish-Bristolian organisation Opoka, which has been supporting victims of domestic violence from all over the UK for eight years.
”I would like to thank Ania Osowska on behalf of Opoka and all the children and their mothers who are in our care for their amazing idea and commitment,” says Aneta Maryla Mackell, founder and coordinator of Opoka.
“It has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and unfortunately for many people this Christmas will not be a happy time at all. I was moved to tears when Anna called me and asked how many children, whose mothers are in Opoka’s care, need Christmas presents.
“It is amazing that, out of the many people living in and around Bristol, Anna Osowska was the only one who thought of the children who would spend Christmas away from their family homes, as they are no longer safe. This year their home will be a safe house or hostel.”
Patrycja, mum of Olivia, Olaf and Max, who are currently being looked after by Opoka, said: ”I cannot describe the joy I now feel. It is amazing to know that there is someone who thinks about making my children happy. It makes me believe that there are still good people in the world, and I look forward to the future with optimism’.’
Anyone who would like to support the action can contact Anna Osowska at 07748 968010 or send a message to Siłaczki via Facebook: www.facebook.com/silaczki
Main image by Anna Osowska
Read more: 15 Bristol-themed gifts to buy for Christmas 2020
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