The Petrus Christmas Gift appeal received over 950 presents which were donated to vulnerable children in Rochdale and around the North West in time for Christmas Day.
Petrus had been receiving gifts from kind-hearted residents and businesses throughout December.
A whopping 971 gifts were collected in total, including sacks full of presents donated by NatWest, Rochdale, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, St. Helens, and Regenda Homes, Liverpool. The donations were then delivered to kids all over the region.
Pam Barrett, Petrus Community Store Manager, said “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people. This is the biggest donation we have ever received, and these gifts will go a long way in helping some of the most vulnerable children in Rochdale and beyond. I would like to thank everybody for their help and kindness.”
Around 345 presents were given to Rochdale Social Services for distribution and almost 100 gifts were donated to various Sure Start Centres around Rochdale which offer affordable, quality early learning and childcare for all families.
75 toys were donated to Queen Street Family Time Centre, Heywood. Anna Ashworth, who works at the centre, said: “Thank you from all the staff at Queen Street and on behalf of all the children and families who attend our centre for your kind donation of Christmas gifts.
“The children we work with are some of the most vulnerable in the Rochdale area and your thoughtful gesture will bring a smile to their faces!”
The Managing Director of PossAbilities, Heywood, a social enterprise that supports vulnerable adults with learning disabilities helped massively with the Petrus Christmas Gift appeal with a very generous £1000 donation for their staff to organise and purchase gifts for the cause.
A further 81 toys were given homes at the Lighthouse Project - Middleton, a safe and welcoming environment where people can meet, find support and access opportunities that are caring, social and educational.
Home-Start Rochdale was provided Christmas gifts as they offer practical and emotional support for parents and children experiencing stress or difficulties
Toys were also donated to Centre 56, Liverpool, a charity which that supports women and children who have suffered, or are at risk of, domestic abuse or a crisis situation.
Keen to continue in the spirit of giving, Petrus will dish out the remaining 180 or so gifts in the New Year to the various centres, who will use them for children’s birthdays throughout 2020.
A full list of donors includes:
Petrus Community Store customers, parents and staff from Aunt Marys Day Nursery, Heywood and Willows Day Nursery, Rochdale, NatWest, Rochdale, GTM Electrical Services staff, Rochdale, PossAbilities Heywood, Co-Operative Group staff, Manchester, The Star Tree Studio, Littleborough, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, St. Helens, Regenda Homes, Liverpool, Home Office staff, Liverpool, parents of Shawside Juniors Football Club, Oldham.