You may know that the Surprizeshop nominated charity is Azalea. Life for the women it serves is at the extreme end of tough all year round but I wish I could put into words how much harder it is through December and the lead up to Christmas with increased violence and abuse. The demands and pressure on Azalea and its amazing team are intense and what they are doing is vital.
I would be so grateful if you could spend a moment of your day to find out more by listening to the short video from one of the ladies it has successfully helped and her journey through to recovery with Azaleas by her side.
Powerful, isn't it ?
Here is a message from the Azalea team:
The VOICE of hope encapsulated in the video isn't experienced with those in our Luton drop-in. Violence against women escalates over Christmas. Women trapped in street sex trafficking are 167 times more likely to experience sexual violence than those who are not and 12 times more likely to be murdered. Our capacity to empathise with their plight is a hard call...to look directly into the eyes of a person in pain and stay with them is as a challenge of grace
We are set up for Christmas- even on Christmas Day we are open and welcoming.
For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, family, and connection. But for the women Azalea serves, the holiday season often casts long, painful shadows. Blue Christmas isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a stark reminder of the bruises, isolation, and brokenness that women like Karla* face. Christmas, for survivors of sex trafficking, is not filled with warmth. It’s a time that can trigger memories of loss, violence, and severed family ties. Karla has no family to call or gifts to give or receive—only memories of what Christmas was like before she was taken, used, and discarded. This Christmas, Karla is reminded not of joy but of the bruises left by those who have abused her. Every festive light, every Christmas carol, and every image of families gathering around the table only deepens the sense of what has been lost. For many like Karla, Christmas isn’t a season to celebrate but a time to survive.
For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, family, and connection. But for the women Azalea serves, the holiday season often casts long, painful shadows. Blue Christmas isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a stark reminder of the bruises, isolation, and brokenness that women like Karla* face. Christmas, for survivors of sex trafficking, is not filled with warmth. It’s a time that can trigger memories of loss, violence, and severed family ties. Karla has no family to call or gifts to give or receive—only memories of what Christmas was like before she was taken, used, and discarded. This Christmas, Karla is reminded not of joy but of the bruises left by those who have abused her. Every festive light, every Christmas carol, and every image of families gathering around the table only deepens the sense of what has been lost. For many like Karla, Christmas isn’t a season to celebrate but a time to survive.
But there is a light
You can bring light to those facing darkness this Christmas. Join us in supporting women like Karla by donating to Azalea’s Blue Christmas campaign. Your generosity will ensure that no woman faces this season alone and that every bruise is met with care and compassion.
Together, we can make a difference.
Help us be the hands and feet that shine love and hope through the darkest days. Click here if you would like to find out more or here if you would like to make a donation. Thank you.
*Pseudonym used