A gift for your neighbour – A Christmas appeal 2026
The Christmas appeal organized by the Evangelical Lutheran parishes of Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen, and Vantaa provided much-needed help for thousands of low-income individuals preparing for Christmas.
The campaign is ongoing from 9 November to 7 December 2026.
I want to donate – how do I proceed?
Buy a gift card from a shop of your choice.
Buy a gift card from a shop of your choice. We especially encourage gift cards from major grocery chains. These allow families to buy food and Christmas gifts according to their needs. Gift cards from clothing, book, toy or electronics stores – or even for services such as massage – are also very welcome.
Please ask the shop to restrict the use of the grocery gift card.
Then it cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol or gambling products.
Bring your gift card to a parish.
See the list of drop-off locations and times. You can take your card to any Evangelical Lutheran parish in the Helsinki metropolitan area – your donation is not tied to where you live. The gift card will be given to someone in need in the parish where you have delivered it.
How much can I give?
You are free to choose the value of the gift card you buy.
Most donations are between 20 and 50 euros, but both smaller and larger contributions are equally appreciated.
If you wish to give more, you can divide your donation into several gift cards of around 50 euros each – this makes it easier to distribute the help to those in need.
One gift card can save someone’s Christmas
A gift for your neighbour is a shared Christmas appeal by the Evangelical Lutheran parishes of Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa. Parish diaconal workers assess the needs of those seeking help and deliver your support directly and reliably to families and individuals. Gift cards are given in full to the recipients. The help is directed to those who need it the most.
In previous years, the parishes have been able to help thousands of low-income people across the Helsinki metropolitan area through this appeal. The need for help has not decreased. Gift cards continue to bring relief even after Christmas – their impact lasts long after the holidays.
With years of experience, we know that every donation brings great joy to those who receive it – and just as much to those who give.
