Your Kindness Doesn’t Stop at Christmas
Every Christmas, thousands of people show incredible kindness through the Christmas Shoebox Appeal. All year round, that same spirit of generosity supports children and their communities in deeper, longer-term ways, beyond the box.
The shoebox is where kindness begins and these stories show how it continues.
Aida’s Story
When Aida received her Christmas Shoebox from Ireland, it brought joy and reassurance into her home in rural Malawi, a reminder that people she had never met cared about her. That same kindness continues through Team Hope’s local project, which has helped Aida’s mum to earn an income to provide food and send her children to school. From the shoebox Aida opened to the support her family now receives, generosity is helping to build a more secure future.
Bertha’s Story
My name is Bertha, I am 8 years old and I’m from Malawi. When I was younger I didn’t go to school because my mum couldn’t afford to send me. Some nights me and my siblings even went to bed hungry. One day we were given Christmas Shoeboxes by Team Hope and we were so excited! Then Team Hope helped my mum learn how to make money and to save. Today, my brother and I go to school every day, and my sister goes to preschool. On Saturdays we love going with our mum to help her to sell vegetables at the market.
Cynthia’s Story
Hi my name is Cynthia and I am from Kenya. Before Team Hope supported us to get water in our village I helped family by going to collect water everyday, about a 3 hrs walk away. I was often tired in school and couldn’t do my homework. I was also afraid that something bad might happen during those long journeys. With Team Hope’s help we now only have to walk about three minutes to the water point! We can collect more water than ever to grow more food, look after our chickens and eat better meals! I go to school every day on a full stomach and don’t have to worry about my little sister ever being hurt on the long walk for water.
Luca’s Story
Luca was born in Eswatini to a mother living with HIV. During her pregnancy, Luca’s mum received support through a Team Hope supported group, where she learned how to protect her baby before and after birth. With the right care, medication and nutrition, Luca was born HIV-free. Today, his mother supports other women to do the same, helping more children begin life healthy, safe and full of hope.
Espérance’s Story
Espérance’s child lives in Burundi, where life is very hard for many families. When their father died, there was no safe home, little food, and school was uncertain. Through a Team Hope supported group, Espérance began to rebuild, saving small amounts, growing food, and building a simple house. Today, her children have meals, a home, and the chance to stay in school. From survival to stability, support like this gives children a real chance to grow up with hope.
Your Kindness Doesn’t Stop at Christmas
Team Hope’s work is shaped alongside local communities, rooted in dignity, respect and long-term change.
The shoebox is where kindness begins and these stories show how it continues.