Christmas is a time for magic, kindness and making wishes come true. It’s the excitement of finding a present under the tree, the joy of unwrapping a surprise and the happiness that comes from knowing someone is thinking of you.
But for some children and families, Christmas can look a little different.
This festive season, The Glades is proud to once again partner with The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust, helping to bring joy, smiles and a little Christmas magic to children and young people affected by cancer.
Through our annual Giving Tree, we’re inviting the Bromley community to come together and help make Christmas special for children and young people aged 0–17, including those spending the festive season in hospital or recovering at home.
And the wonderful thing is that even the smallest gift can make a big difference.
How to Share a Little Christmas Magic
This year, there are two ways to donate a gift at The Glades, making it even easier to spread some festive kindness.
1. Choose a Tag from Our Giving Tree
Visit our Guest Service Lounge on the Upper Mall, where you’ll find our special Christmas Giving Tree.
2. Leave a Gift in Our Christmas Donation Box
You’ll also find a large Christmas gift collection box on the Upper Mall, opposite Crystal Palace.
If you’d simply like to buy a little something extra while doing your Christmas shopping, you can leave your gift here.
Whether it’s a cuddly toy for a little one, a creative set for a young artist or something special for a teenager, every thoughtful gift helps spread a little happiness.
What Gifts Can You Donate?
Looking for inspiration? Here are some lovely ideas for children and young people aged 0–17:
• Soft toys, dolls and baby toys
A little Christmas request: Please leave your gifts new and unwrapped. This allows the charity to check each present, make sure it’s suitable for the child’s age and needs, and distribute it to the right child.
When Should You Donate?
To help make Christmas wishes come true, please bring your gifts by Thursday 17 December 2026.
The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust will collect the donations on Friday 18 December, ready to distribute them to children and young people in time for Christmas.
Our large Christmas donation box will remain at The Glades until approximately 5 January 2027. Any additional gifts donated after 17 December will still be gratefully received and passed on to the charity in the New Year to support future activities.
A Little About The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust
Founded in 2015, The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust is a local charity supporting children and families affected by cancer and leukaemia across South London, Kent and Surrey.
The charity provides practical and emotional support to families during some of their most difficult moments. From family support groups and hospital equipment to technology that helps children stay connected with their schools, its work makes a real difference.
The charity also provides special opportunities for families to make happy memories together, including breaks at Sophie’s Wish Lodge on the Isle of Wight.
This Christmas, the gifts donated by our wonderful Bromley community will help bring a little extra happiness to the children and young people the charity supports.
The Most Beautiful Part of Christmas Is Giving
At The Glades, we believe some of the most magical Christmas moments aren’t about the presents we receive, but the happiness we bring to others.
A small toy, a thoughtful gift or a little surprise under the Christmas tree can mean the world to a child going through a difficult time.
We’re incredibly proud to continue this special tradition with The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust, and even prouder of the wonderful community that makes it possible year after year.
To everyone who takes part in our Giving Tree, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you for your kindness, your generosity and for helping us turn a simple gift into a special Christmas memory.
Together, we can make Christmas a little brighter, one gift, one smile and one act of kindness at a time.
One Small Gift. One Big Difference.