Festive Giving: 136 Advent Calendars Donated

A huge thank you to Hertfordshire Sports Village (HSV) Members, whose generosity has made the very first advent calendar collection an overwhelming success. Thanks to their kindness and community spirit, an incredible 136 Christmas Advent Calendars have been donated in just a few weeks to support families in Hertsmere. 

This inaugural collection, supported by HSV's members and the wider Active Local network, aimed to bring a little extra magic. The donated calendars were delivered to Hertsmere residents through Borehamwood Family Centre and the Charity HomeStart Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere, ensuring children and parents can enjoy a small daily moment of joy throughout December. 

“Receiving the advent calendar was a huge surprise and a lovely one, having one for all of the children was so thoughtful”  

Family Member from HomeStart Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere

 

A huge thank you for the advent calendars, we managed to distribute these through our weekly groups and our home visiting volunteers.  All our families were truly grateful 

Louise Ash, Community Engagement and Fundraising Officer from HomeStart Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere

 

The Family Centre and Charity work closely with families experiencing hardship, isolation, or additional pressures. These advent calendar donations provide not only a festive treat but also a meaningful reminder that the community cares. 

The success of this first-ever collection has set a positive foundation for what organisers hope will become an annual tradition. It also highlights the power of community-led action in supporting families and strengthening local connections. This work continues to demonstrate the strong partnership between Hertfordshire Sports Village, the University of Hertfordshire, and Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), a collaboration delivering meaningful community impact. 

The initiative forms part of Sport England's Place Universal Offer work taking place in Cowley Hill, Hertsmere and Waltham Cross, Broxbourne - helping to reduce inequalities and create healthier, more connected communities. To learn more about HSP’s Active Local work and find out how to get involved, visit: www.sportinherts.org.uk/active-local.