Caridon marks Caridon Christmas Countdown 2025 with community focused support across its housing portfolio
25th December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, Caridon has marked the festive season through its Caridon Christmas Countdown, a programme of activity focused on residents, young people and local communities across the areas it serves.
Rather than concentrating on a single event or gesture, the Countdown brought together a series of practical and community led initiatives throughout December, reflecting the organisation’s belief that Christmas can be a difficult time for many, particularly those living alone or facing uncertainty.
Supporting communities where it matters most
Across Caridon’s housing developments, teams worked directly with residents to create moments of connection and warmth.
In Harlow, Regional Manager Nicola Dean hosted a Christmas party at Templefields, welcoming both familiar and new faces from the community. Children of all ages joined in, with one of the most memorable moments coming from the older children, who made a point of personally thanking the party entertainer. Local connections helped stretch budgets further, with discounted food secured to ensure the event could be enjoyed by as many families as possible.
At Imperial Apartments in Bristol, Community Engagement Officer Vasu and the on site team packed around 80 presents for children living at the scheme and hosted a festive coffee morning around the Christmas tree. With mince pies, hot chocolate and plenty of conversation, the event created a relaxed and welcoming space for residents, with children leaving happy and families spending time together.
At Sutherland Quarters in Crawley, residents and families came together for a Christmas party that included snow effects, presents and food, with the snow machine quickly becoming the highlight for many of the children. The event was supported by colleagues from West Sussex County Council’s Early Help Mid Sussex Team, who ran a crafting corner throughout the afternoon, helping keep younger residents engaged and entertained.
Small gestures with meaningful impact
As part of the Countdown, Caridon also supported organisations beyond its housing portfolio where comfort and care matter most.
New chairs were donated to South East Cancer Help Centre, where they are now being used by people attending counselling sessions. The donation was intended to support a calmer, more comfortable environment for individuals accessing emotional support, particularly during the festive period. Caridon expressed its thanks to the Centre for the work it does within the community and for allowing the organisation to play a small, practical role in supporting those who rely on its services.
A different kind of gift
Alongside resident focused activity, Caridon also chose to take a different approach to seasonal corporate giving this year.
Rather than sending hampers to a small number of stakeholders, the organisation made cash donations on their behalf to charities it actively supports throughout the year, including Crawley Open House, Purley and Kenley Churches Together Food Hub, Caring in Bristol, Crisis Croydon, Help for Heroes and Streets2Homes.
These organisations provide frontline support within local communities, particularly for people facing homelessness, food insecurity and isolation. By redirecting resources in this way, Caridon aimed to support work that continues long after the festive period has passed, while also reducing unnecessary packaging and transport emissions.
Reflecting on the Christmas Countdown, Caridon's Founder & CEO Mario Carrozzo shared a message with teams and communities:
“Christmas is a difficult time for some people, especially if they’re on their own. If you know someone who might be spending Christmas by themselves, try and bring them closer to you. Christmas isn’t the same for everybody, and it’s about looking after the people around you, whether that’s family or close friends.”
Looking ahead
The Caridon Christmas Countdown 2025 reflects the organisation’s wider approach to social impact and community engagement. It is not about one off gestures, but about consistent, practical support shaped by the needs of the people Caridon works with every day.
As the year comes to a close, the focus remains on building inclusive communities, supporting those who need it most, and carrying those values forward into the year ahead.