Christmas donations 1895

Once again, we find ourselves near the end of another year. It has been a busy one in the archive department with World War One commemorations and research for our forthcoming book. We’ve also been preparing for a busy year in 2019, as arrangements for our 150th anniversary goes full steam ahead. We’re excited to be celebrating this momentous occasion and share our fabulous story far and wide. 

Santa at an annual bazaar

As for today, we’ll end the year by looking at some of our old collection leaflets from the turn of the 19th century. Entitled, ‘Family collection for the 500 homeless children of the Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges, Strangeways’, it appealed to the local community to donate money at Christmas. These were distributed across Manchester and Salford and adverts were also often placed in the newspapers, as well as at the annual bazaars.

Christmas leaflet 1895

Appeal letters often had ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs displayed as a way of encouraging people to donate. Not only was this a way of trying to trigger an emotional response to encourage donations but also attempted to show the difference that the charity made to the children living on the city streets. It was a way of showing how the public’s money would be spent.

Back of Xmas leaflet, 1895

These leaflets also contained biblical references, reaffirming the charity’s religious ethos at this time. From the eighteenth century onwards, there was a Protestant tradition of direct charitable engagement during life. Financial donations to organised charities had also become fashionable among the middle-class in the 19th century and the Refuge reached out to this concept to help finance the various different homes, especially at Christmas.

Of course, today the charity continues to receive donations in the lead up to Christmas to ensure those in our services have an enjoyable day. A large part of this is the annual present collection from Roughley Bikers.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and very happy New Year.