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Happy Christmas!

By Alex Hazell
August 6, 2009 at 10:20 am

SantaOK, before you start writing letters of outrage to the papers or your closest Red Cross, I’m not being entirely serious about my festive greeting. I’m well aware that it is still August and most people are still thinking about their summer holiday and not Christmas.

Unfortunately over in Uttoxeter a British Red Cross shop managed to accidentally anger several residents when they decided to display a count down to Christmas – in the middle of July. This cheeky marketing ploy was a great success in getting people into the shop and they managed to raise over £300. Sadly after the complaints, Santa was put back in his box – at least for a couple more months.

Over on the Red Cross website we’ve decided to add our charity Christmas cards to the online shop and we’re hoping the response won’t be as negative. We admit that it is very early for Christmas (although I’m told that Argos start stocking Christmas trees in May) but we know that the sooner we get our cards out; the more vitual funds will be raised for the work of the Red Cross. In fact last year around a third of all our cards sold online were sold in August.

Still not convinced? By my very rough calculations:Tufty squirrel

Amazing to think how such a simple act can make such a difference.

So what do you think? Is Christmas being promoted too early? Tangoing santas or tufty squirrels?

Comments (8) »

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The Red Cross values comments both complimentary and critical. However, we will not tolerate the following: aggressive or personal criticism of the blogger, breach of copyright, obscene, defamatory, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive or likewise objectionable comments.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am and is filed under Fundraising and events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • http://redcross.org.uk/ Katrina Crew

    I admit, it does get on my nerves when I walk into a store in October and hear Christmas music. But it’s mostly because I hate the commercialisation of such a joyful holiday. I have no problem with the festive season being used as an opportunity for charities to raise money, especially since there’s always been a strong link between Christmas and charitable giving – whether it’s giving one’s time to volunteer or one’s money to help others.

    Very thought-provoking post, Alex. Thanks!

  • http://redcross.org.uk Katrina Crew

    I admit, it does get on my nerves when I walk into a store in October and hear Christmas music. But it’s mostly because I hate the commercialisation of such a joyful holiday. I have no problem with the festive season being used as an opportunity for charities to raise money, especially since there’s always been a strong link between Christmas and charitable giving – whether it’s giving one’s time to volunteer or one’s money to help others.

    Very thought-provoking post, Alex. Thanks!

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk/ Brad Smith

    I always find this a great way to support my favourite charity. However I’ve got to say, I prefer the vintage Christmas cards.

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk Brad Smith

    I always find this a great way to support my favourite charity. However I’ve got to say, I prefer the vintage Christmas cards.

  • Claire Butler

    I can’t believe that someone complained about a charity shop. If it helps raise over £300 then start the countdown in March!

  • Claire Butler

    I can’t believe that someone complained about a charity shop. If it helps raise over £300 then start the countdown in March!

  • http://www.charity-christmas-cards.co.uk/ Gary Trotter

    Well it is a very good marketing trick obviously and all in the name of charity so good on them. It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas, in fact the saying should probably be that it is usually always to late when you start thinking about Christmas. I know thinking about Christmas in July seems to much for many people but we are on the count down. Kids would be happy to have Christmas twice a year I am sure! Good on them raising the money with Santa!

  • http://www.charity-christmas-cards.co.uk/ Gary Trotter

    Well it is a very good marketing trick obviously and all in the name of charity so good on them. It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas, in fact the saying should probably be that it is usually always to late when you start thinking about Christmas. I know thinking about Christmas in July seems to much for many people but we are on the count down. Kids would be happy to have Christmas twice a year I am sure! Good on them raising the money with Santa!

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Alex Hazell

Alex is a web officer at the British Red Cross. He enjoys doing fun things with the internet - like making this blog!

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The British Red Cross values comments both complimentary and critical. However, we will not tolerate the following: aggressive or personal criticism of the blogger, breach of copyright, obscene, defamatory, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive or likewise objectionable comments.

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