January 2023
Hello and welcome to a new year of monthly newsletters. We hope you enjoy reading them and finding out how your kind support makes Smile For ME what it is.
Smiles
12 Smiles were sent to both ME sufferers and carers of all ages this month. They are all chosen and personalised to fit each person’s likes and interests. Some of the items sent this month included cupcake lego set, himalayan salt fairy lights, room spray, 365 days art creative book, colouring pencils and pens, watercolours and oil paints, hedgehog stress ball, candles, hot chocolate, sweets, chocolates, blankets, socks, eye mask and ear plugs.
“Thank you so much Liliana was so surprised to receive her parcel today she’s smiling after receiving your lovely SMILE and it’s all her favourite things too really appreciate the kindness and support !! ??”
“Perfect timing for Elizabeth to get a pick me up gift from the amazing #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis charity @SmileForME Thank you so much ♥️ Fabulous comfort gifts… @SmileForME you guys are awesome ?”
“Thank you so much for Henry’s smile, which he opened today. he was absolutely delighted with his gifts and commented on how nicely everything was wrapped. Thank you for your efforts to bring some happiness to those having a difficult time. ?”
“I want to say a massive thank you for the smile you sent to my mum! She was in floods of tears from the release of having to hold it all together as my carer and then having something so special arrive. The fruit pastels have gone down a treat and every single item in the box was incredibly well thought out, it was perfect. You’ve touched both of our hearts during a tough time, it means the world! Thank you so much”
Fundraising
Naomi’s card fundraising project
This year Naomi is kindly supporting two ME charities, one being Smile For ME, by selling her handmade cards. Check out her Instagram @NaomisCraftCorner to support.
Corporate Fundraising
We have been lucky enough to receive corporate fundraising in the past from the kindness of supporters through their work. Affinity Water have generously donated, Samsung have matched funds raised and Schroders Personal Wealth sponsored a whole month’s worth of Smiles. Do you or someone you know want to help support us? Get in touch smileformecharity@gmail.com. Find out more: www.smileforme.org.uk/corporatefundraising
AmazonSmile
For the last couple of years we have been registered with AmazonSmile. Thanks to those who selected Smile For ME as their charity to support when they shopped, Amazon have donated £782.22 to us so far at no extra cost. Unfortunately Amazon have announced they are ending AmazonSmile on the 20th February 2023 so you only have a couple more weeks left to shop and raise money for Smile For ME. 
Easy Fundraising
After the 20th February 2023 you can still raise money for us with Amazon through Easy Fundraising. Easy Fundraising also has over 7,400 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice at no extra cost to you.
Over the last few years £1,269,27 has been raised through Easy Fundraising so all the little donations really do add up and help make a difference to us. 
Sign up to Easy Fundraising and support Smile For ME.
For a mobile/tablet device
- Download Easy Fundraising app on your device and open it
- Click ‘Create Account’
- Search for ‘Smile For ME’ and click ‘Support This Cause’
- Follow the on-screen instructions creating an account to complete the sign up process
- Search for retailers through the app, shop online and we will receive a donation when you spend
For desktop
- Go to Smile For ME’s Easy Fundraising page
- Click ‘support this cause’
- Create an account with Facebook or Email and enter your details
- Click ‘add the donation reminder’ to add the extension to your browser
- Shop online as normal. Donations are available through 3,800+ online brands and retailers. When you are on the website of your choosing if it is an eligible shop you will see a notification in the top right hand corner saying ‘Great news, up to __% free donation on this site’ Click ‘Activate donation’ and we will receive a donation when you spend
Blue Sunday
14th May 2023, a date for your diary. Blue Sunday, The Tea Party For ME annual fundraiser founded by Anna. 
We will be sharing more about Blue Sunday nearer the time but for now if you would like more information check out Anna or our Blue Sunday website page: www.smileforme.org.uk/bluesunday
Smile of the month
What’s made you smile this month? Each month we ask this question on social media and we love hearing the responses. We hope by sharing some of your smiles it can help others to find a smile too. 
Thank you’s
A big thank you to everyone who has supported us and donated this month. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity you show us. It means such a lot because it enables us to continue sending Smiles to those affected by ME.