Hundreds of gifts donated to vulnerable children in Rochdale in time for Christmas

Thoughtful gifts received this Christmas by vulnerable children and young people

Piles of gifts were donated to children with disabilities and homeless young people supported by Barnardo’s across Rochdale in time for Christmas.

More than 260 gifts were purchased by kind-hearted members of the public thanks to satirical website The Rochdale Herald, after it ran its ‘Big Fat Secret Santa Appeal’ for the second year running throughout December, which was supported by several other satire sites.

Guitars, toys, Lego sets, baby sleep bags, sensory cushions, aftershave, Bluetooth speakers, books and make up sets, were just some of the thoughtful gifts received this Christmas by vulnerable children and young people supported by Barnardo’s in Rochdale.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/124136/the-big-fat-secret-santa-appeal-2018-for-children-living-in-poverty-and-care

Those at the top of Santa’s gift list in the town included young mums with babies who are homeless and living in supported accommodation, as well as children and teens with disabilities and additional needs. Young homeless people living in supported accommodation in Bury also received presents from the appeal.

For some of these children and young people, Christmas can be a difficult time of year and some may have sadly received few or no gifts at all on Christmas morning.

In total, the Satire Aid appeal saw more than 4,500 presents worth a staggering £42,000 bought via an online gift wish list, which have been distributed to charities around the country, including Barnardo’s.

Ruth Welford, Assistant Director for Barnardo’s in Rochdale and Bury said: “We have been blown away by the generosity of donations through the Satire Aid appeal – the quality and quantity of presents has been overwhelming and we would like to thank the Rochdale Herald and everyone involved in the gift appeal.

“These acts of kindness helped to make Christmas special for so many children, young people and families that we support.”

Barnardo’s provides support for parents with disabled children in Rochdale through specialist parenting courses, one to one support and short breaks. The charity also provides free confidential and impartial advice and support for disabled children and young people or those with special educational needs aged from birth to 25 in Rochdale and Bury.

For further information, please contact Barnardo’s Disability Advice Services (SENDIASS) on 01706 769634.