Written by: Marianne Rawlins, Communications Manager
Curo’s annual Christmas card competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the artistic talents of customers.
This year, customers from across the communities the housing association and housebuilder serves submitted an array of festive creations, featuring colourful Santas, elves and baubles.
Samantha won the 17-plus category and was also the overall winner, meaning her design will feature on Curo’s official 2024 Christmas card. Samantha visited Curo’s offices The Maltings, Bath, on 12 December to collect her prize, including her framed design, which was presented by Jane Smith, Chief People Officer.
Samantha said: “I really love drawing; I should do it more – it’s a nice escape. I wanted to draw my idea of a perfect Christmas house, how I’d like my own home to look – I’m proud of it.”
Jane said: “We were blown away by the imagination and creative skills displayed by our customers this year. The judges were particularly impressed by the quality of Samantha’s drawing. We’d love to come home to this beautiful front door, adorned with a wreath, tree, holly and presents.”
Ava, winner of the 10–16 category, impressed the judges with her gorgeous watercolour painting of ice-skating mice, which they said belonged in the pages of a children’s picture book. “I love painting,” said Ava. “I study art at school – it’s my favourite subject.”
Justin, Ava’s dad, added: “We’re currently in temporary accommodation, so this has been a lovely project for Ava. I must say it looks even better in the frame. We’ll be hanging it in our new home for everyone to see.”
Freya won the 5–9 age category with a vibrant design telling the story of the nativity, brought to life with lively characters. Meanwhile, Arabella won the 0–4 category with a tree made from a footprint. “Full marks for originality go to this bold and bright design,” said the judges.
Each winning designer receives £50 in Love2Shop vouchers – just in time for Christmas.