Charity Advent calendar orders surge after priest’s affordable alternative draws abuse
A £6 charity Advent calendar has seen a surge in orders after a British priest faced online criticism for recommending it as a lower-cost alternative to a £112 calendar promoted by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The episode has brought fresh attention to the calendar’s charitable purpose: raising money for people affected by leprosy.
The Leprosy Mission’s chief executive, Amanda Norman, said hundreds of orders had come in. The calendar, made by the Meaningful Chocolate Company, includes Fairtrade chocolate and a booklet about the Christmas story and activities; a donation goes to the charity. The priest, Daniel French, said he received abuse and threats online and locked his account, while fellow priest Chris Phillips also drew angry responses after backing his recommendation.
- Orders rose for a £6 charity Advent calendar.
- Proceeds support people affected by leprosy.
- The recommendation prompted online abuse of two priests.
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An Advent calendar has prompted online discussion in the run-up to Christmas. The Leprosy Mission, a charity supporting people affected by leprosy, sells a £6 Advent calendar containing Fairtrade chocolate, a booklet about the Christmas story, and activities. When a British priest recommended this as an affordable alternative to a £112 calendar, the suggestion prompted criticism online.
The priest who made the recommendation was Daniel French; another priest, Chris Phillips, also faced hostile responses after backing the suggestion. Both received abuse and threats online severe enough to restrict their social media activity. The two calendars represent markedly different price points and product approaches.
The Leprosy Mission's calendar was designed to raise funds for the charity's work with people affected by leprosy. The price comparison drew attention to this charitable purpose and the different spending options available to consumers at Christmas. For the charity, such public discussion increases awareness of both the product and the cause it supports.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Sales of charity’s £6 Advent Calendar soar after Meghan’s Sussex Squad fans turned on British priest for suggesting they buy it”.