It is (almost) the most wonderful time of the year.

So the first purchase for many is Christmas Cards. It is a time when many think of supporting a charity, but rather than going for one of the big name charities this Christmas (or buying via a big name chain who usually donate a small amount) why not support a smaller charity where your support will make all the difference?

The big popular charities have big incomes. And there is nothing wrong with this they are tackling the big problems facing our society. And their financial clout gives them power. Don’t stop supporting them because they are so big. Know they are big and support them anyway. They are doing amazing work.

See below for annual income for some of the big brand charities

Cancer Research UK £679 million
Oxfam £414 million
British Heart Foundation £310 million
RNLI £197 million
Guide Dogs for the Blind £107 million

But I know I like to support smaller charities who don’t have the advertising clout for you to know about their Christmas cards,or work, for that matter.

Here are four great smaller charities who I’m guess would really appreciate your support.

We are going for the National Brain Appeal as this hospital was the one that zapped Kai’s brain tumour last year so – you know – we kinda like them.

The National Brain Appeal (income 2.3million)

The National Brain Appeal  is the charity dedicated to raising vital funds for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London. They save lives daily.

You can get their cards here 

Charlie Waller Memorial Trust‘s (income £1.5 million) vision is of a world where people understand and talk openly about depression, where young people know how to maintain wellbeing, and where the most appropriate treatment is available to everyone who needs it.

You can get their cards here

Neuroblastoma UK (income 450k ) They have the best cards!!!

On average, every week, two families in the UK will learn that their child has neuroblastoma. Their mission is to find a cure for neuroblastoma through funding leading research projects to deliver new, effective and kinder treatments for these children.

You can get their cards here

SOS Africa (income £151k)

SOS Africa is a UK based grass roots child sponsorship organisation which funds the education and care of underprivileged African children.

You can get their cards here. 

LGBT Scotland (cant find out their turnover but I don’t imagine it is huge)

LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.

You can get their groovy cards here.

And a Merry Christmas to one and all.