The UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, which has two shops in central York, is urging people not to forget to support charities as they make their preparations for the big day.

Christine Holland, chief executive of Cards For Good Causes, said: “Christmas cards are an important source of funding for charities while also raising awareness of their work.

“We know that times are tough this year, but the great thing about sending charity Christmas cards is that you buy once but give twice, once to the person you send the card to and again to a cause that is close to your heart.” John Norton, head of sales at Macmillan, said: “The Christmas cards we sell through the Cards for Good Causes outlets provide a source of much-needed revenue for Macmillan, and provide the charity with a significant level of public awareness.

“Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way and is able to help in many ways to provide support to anyone affected by cancer. We can only do so because of your generosity.”

Cards For Good Causes sells charity Christmas cards through a network of more than 300 pop-up shops, as well as online.

As well as a wide range of card designs from national and local charities, the shops in St Martin’s Church on Coney Street and St Helen’s Church, St Helen’s Square, also sell Christmas goods, purchased by Cards For Good Causes, such as stocking fillers, advent calendars, wrapping paper, gift tags and napkins.

Staffed by local volunteers, the shops are open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, until 17 December 17.