In these turbulent times, the kindness of strangers is needed more than ever. Why not buy a very special gift this Christmas – and help a child in need? The good news is that, in doing so, you will have the ongoing assistance of the beloved character, Paddington Bear!

Here’s how it works: you sign up for a monthly direct debit payment of just €12 to UNICEF. In return, Paddington will send your child a personalised postcard, along with some other treats, every month, as a bear-sized thank you.

Whether for your own family or a friend’s, UNICEF’s Paddington's Postcards make an ideal gift for children aged 4-10.

The journey begins with the arrival of a welcome pack, featuring a letter, world map poster, travel journal, stickers and a postcard from London. Each monthly pack then allows a child to explore a different country with Paddington – teaching young adventurers about the lives of families and kids who live there. It is a great way of learning about new places every four weeks. 100% of the proceeds go to UNICEF, helping the agency to carry out its vital, life-saving work globally, 365 days a year.

• To sign up to Paddington’s Postcards with a monthly donation of just €12, visit unicef.ie/donate/paddington.