A Festive Tradition: Christmas Carols on the River Returns to Cambridge
Fear not – Christmas Carols on the River (our annual festive Cambridge charity event) is going ahead this December! For those of you who aren’t familiar, firstly, how dare you! And secondly, allow us to explain…
We welcome St John the Evangelist Choir to the River Cam to treat us to a selection of Christmas Carols as we punt along the college ‘backs’. Just picture it. The iconic Cambridge architecture, merry melodies, and community spirit! All proceeds raised from your ticket purchases will be donated to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. In previous years, we have supported Tom’s Trust, Blue Smile, Cambridge Aid, Amnesty International, and EACH.
Which Cambridge Charity is it this year?
The amazing thing about Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is that they provide funds for a range of local causes, meaning that your tickets may very well be helping EACH yet again! Their Help at Home initiative connects volunteers to families with life-threatened children. This way, parents can leave a good number of tasks out of their minds to focus on their families. Volunteers help around the house, with childcare, running errands, and importantly, as someone simply to talk to. This is a heartwarming example of connecting members of the Cambridgeshire community.
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is the charity for Cambridgeshire, working towards a better quality of life for people across the county. The Foundation identifies the most critical needs of local communities, raises funds and awards grants to non-profit organisations that address those needs.
Since being founded in 2004, the Foundation has awarded £32 million to local charities and community projects through over 10,000 grants. Every single ward in the county has benefitted from the funding. Unfortunately, the charity is currently seeing unprecedented demand for funding that exceeds its capacity to support. It shows just how much work remains to create lasting, positive change in our community, and support is needed more than ever.
What challenges do they tackle?
How does Cambridgeshire Community Foundation decide which causes to fund? First, they look at national averages and then compare them to local statistics. This helps them see exactly where the county falls short. For instance, Cambridgeshire experiences a higher level of homelessness than the national average—so the Foundation steps in with targeted support.
But that’s just the beginning. The Foundation extends its work across many areas, including arts and culture, education, family support, the environment, health and wellbeing, and more. Wherever there’s a need in the community, they respond. It’s amazing.
Bettering Cambridge, one punt trip at a time
You can make a difference this season, here are two simple ways! First, consider donating directly to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. Your contribution goes a long way in supporting vital local causes, from homelessness prevention to youth programs. Every donation, big or small, strengthens their impact and brings hope to those who need it most.
Secondly, come along to our festive Christmas Carols on the River event! Join us for a magical afternoon, complete with live music, holiday spirit, and, of course, a cosy punt along the Cam. Not only will you enjoy a unique Cambridge winter experience, but your ticket purchase directly supports the Foundation’s work across our community. So, whether you give, join, or both, you’ll help make Cambridge a brighter place this holiday season!
We sell out of tickets quickly for Christmas Carols on the River. But, if you can’t attend this year, keep an eye out for 2025! For the time being, why not experience our standard punting experience?
Posted on November 14th, 2024, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor
