Teddington-based disability charity Ruils has launched an Advent calendar with a difference, designed to inspire the local community to get into the Christmas spirit, while helping to raise vital funds for its counselling service and befriending for young people with special needs and/or disabilities.

The Advent Challenge calendar, which is available to order via the charity's website, invites families and individuals alike to complete a series of challenges - either physical, mindful or an act of kindness - which can be found behind each of the 25 doors.

The Ruils calendar has been launched at a time when many other Christmas fundraising events, including the Ruils Carol Concert, have been cancelled due to the pandemic, resulting in a huge loss of income. The charity has been left with a £5,000 deficit needed to fund its counselling and SEND (special educational needs) befriending services, which have seen even higher demand than usual over the past few months.

Ruils chief executive Cathy Maker said: "We are excited to be launching our Ruils Advent Challenge, which we hope will encourage people to engage with the community while supporting our work to support disabled people across Richmond borough.

"It's been a challenging year for the charity sector which is facing huge losses of income, as well as increased demand for services. With the cancellation of most of our fundraising events, we wanted to do something different. We hope many people across the borough will consider supporting us by ordering a calendar today!"

For a donation of £10 people will receive a printed Advent calendar. To order your calendar, for yourself or a friend, visit: www.ruils.co.uk/advent-challenge.

About our charity

Ruils is a local user-led charity that supports children and adults with disabilities and the elderly to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full. It provides information, advice, befriending and activities to clients and their families.

Anyone wanting support or advice can visit our website for more information.