Try sharing your office party this Christmas

July 14, 2010

The 'shared' Christmas party could be the ideal way to celebrate the festive season this year, bringing new meaning to the message of sharing and giving at the heart of the Christmas tradition.

With businesses all over the world becoming keen to improve their corporate social responsibility, sharing their time or giving some of their profits to charity has become extra important.

Some companies are forfeiting their traditional office party and instead organising a sponsored walk to raise money for charity - one West Midlands based corporation has devoted their time to completing the HACK walk to raise funds for the NSPCC – or donating their time to volunteering in a charity shop for a day.

Perfect for companies who wish to stay actively involved in the local community, the ways in which this idea of Christmas sharing can be implemented are endless. If you don't fancy giving up your boozy office Christmas party for a sponsored walk, why not organise a raffle or sweepstake at your event and give the proceeds to charity. That way, your cash can still make a difference elsewhere.

You can choose to support charities that link to the sector your company is involved in and that share your aims, ethics and beliefs. Popular charities to get involved with include environmental protection charities, child protection, mental health, education, overseas aid, medical research and cultural charities.