Angel Crackers 2026 🎉
Angel Crackers is our annual community project, bringing festive fun to Islington while raising vital funds for grassroots organisations supporting local people through winter.
“Angel Crackers are such a joyful way of tackling something really serious. Loneliness can be devastating, but when our community comes together like this, we can turn crackers into connection.” – Islington Giving
Angel Crackers is our annual community project which raises funds for grassroots organisations that bring connection, joy, and practical support to vulnerable residents in Islington.
Every year, we pull together as a community to support people in Islington who feel alone or are facing a hard time through winter. Last year, thanks to everyone who bought a cracker or donated to the initiative, we raised £14,700!
Each cracker is handmade by local volunteers and contains a Golden Ticket, with prizes donated by local businesses. So when you buy a cracker, you’re not just getting a bit of festive fun, you’re helping support your neighbours too.
The project is a collaboration between Islington Giving, Angel Islington BID, and the Business Design Centre, and sponsored by Bolt Burdon Solicitors.
Why loneliness?
Loneliness is an ongoing crisis in Islington. Despite its external image, Islington is one of the most deprived places in the UK, with many people struggling to afford even the basics.
Community spaces have also become rarer and, priced out of leisure activities, many older residents and families struggling financially are becoming increasingly isolated.
For someone feeling alone, winter is a particularly hard time.
Islington Giving Angel Crackers aims to spread festive fun and raise money to support community projects, connect neighbours and boost wellbeing.
For a suggested donation of £5 per cracker, 100% of funds raised through Angel Crackers will support vital projects in Islington.
Previous funding has helped create safe spaces for people experiencing isolation, inclusive food co-ops that bring neighbours together, and accessible storage and practical support for people experiencing homelessness.
So why not join our ‘cracking’ cause, spread some festive cheer and help make a real difference in Islington at the same time?
How your support makes a difference
"I was so relieved and happy that I cried when I got support. They’re just so human. You can tell they really care." - Louise
Islington Giving works with grassroots community groups and projects tackling both the effects and the root causes of increasing social isolation and inequality.
Every year we partner with hundreds of organisations to make life better for everyone in Islington. One of these partnerships is with Help on Your Doorstep, who ensure more residents get crucial support, connect with neighbours and thrive.
“Help on Your Doorstep is all about building a bridge between services and the residents who need them.
At the moment, people are really struggling with things like the cost of living, poor housing and isolation. We’re listening and designing our support around this lived reality, helping local people build networks of mutual support and connecting more residents to the advice and services they need. Or, as I like to say, helping people get back in touch with their strengths.
When we meet people where they’re at, they can find their inner strength – and that makes our community better. It’s what makes Islington feel like a place where people can belong.” – Ken Kanu, CEO of Help on Your Doorstep
