The festive season brings communities together, and this year, Duplo International is proud to partner with Catalyst Support to create a special initiative aimed at making a meaningful impact. Together, we collaborated on a unique Christmas card project that brings joy and inspiration through beautifully embellished cards. But beyond the surface, this partnership represents our shared values of community support, creativity, and well-being initiatives. The goal? To create stunning Christmas cards while supporting Catalyst’s essential work in our community.
Who is Catalyst Support?
Catalyst Support is a Surrey-based charity dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges and substance misuse issues. With a mission to empower individuals, the charity provides tailored support services, community programs, and resources that foster healing, resilience, and hope. Catalyst’s impact extends beyond just providing care—they are a beacon of community cohesion, offering programs that truly change lives.
Catalyst Support’s commitment to community well-being was truly brought to life through this collaboration. Reflecting on the project, Laura Simpson-Pirie, Community Fundraiser, shared: “Knowing that 100% of the proceeds from these cards will fund our vital mental health services in Surrey made the experience even more meaningful.” Seeing their clients’ creativity transformed into beautiful Christmas cards was a testament to the power of art, community, and shared purpose.
Collaboration with Duplo International
The partnership between Duplo and Catalyst Support has deep roots in community care. Over the past months, Duplo has supported Catalyst through grocery donations, but we wanted to deepen our impact even further. During a call with Catalyst representatives in the summer, the idea for a charity Christmas card project was born - a cause we believed our expertise could genuinely elevate.
Reflecting on this collaboration, Bruno Picquet, Chairman and CEO of Duplo International, noted: “Beautiful collaboration between our Companies! Love the results and mainly the purpose of it.” This initiative highlights Duplo’s commitment to community and showcases the best of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared values.
Design Phase
The journey began in August when Catalyst clients were invited to participate in the creative process by designing a Christmas card during various art support groups, including women’s support groups. In September, a panel comprising representatives from both Catalyst and Duplo came together to select the winning designs. From the numerous entries, four standout designs were chosen to represent this special project.
Print and Embellishment Process
Once the designs were selected, Duplo’s expertise came into play, adding a layer of sophistication and quality through embellishment technology. By incorporating Spot UV and foil layers, each card was given a touch of elegance and festive charm. The video below shows the process of how these embellishment layers were designed.
Explore our Embellishment Hub for more insights and inspiration
The cards were then printed and finished using Duplo systems such as the DDC-8000and DC-648, ensuring that each card maintained high production standards without compromising on festive appeal.
Packing and Distribution
Once complete, the Christmas cards were packed and made available for sale at Catalyst Support’s bookshop, various Catalyst events, and Duplo’s head office. Each purchase contributes directly to Catalyst’s essential services, furthering their mission of community support.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This holiday season, you can help make a difference. By purchasing these beautifully crafted cards, sharing this initiative, or simply learning more about Catalyst Support’s incredible work, you are contributing to a cause that makes our communities stronger.
Learn More About Catalyst Support
Community collaboration and giving back lie at the heart of the holiday spirit. Duplo International is honoured to support Catalyst’s mission and bring art, hope, and community together through this unique initiative. As a trusted partner committed to community well-being, we wish you a joyous festive season filled with connection and care.
