A thousand pairs of socks go the distance after anonymous donation

Councillor Faisal Rana (right) handing over lots of socks to Mohammed Sheraz (left) of the Army of Kindness

Over 1,000 pairs of socks have been given to local community groups over the festive period.

Sacks of new socks were donated by an anonymous businessman to Councillor Faisal Rana who has distributed them to local groups like Army of Kindness and Angie’s Angels.

Councillor Rana said: "The donation came right out of the blue. They are really good quality socks which will benefit a lot of people, particularly during this cold and icy weather. There's lots of children's socks and slippers too, which will come in handy for many families struggling at the moment.

"I have passed them on to the homeless and to local community groups, such as the Army of Kindness, based at the old courthouse; Angie's Angels, which do great work with veterans and the homeless, and to Councillor Sue Smith who runs the Status 4 All community charity on Langley in Middleton.

"I would like to thank the anonymous donor whose generosity has brought a little warmth and comfort to a great many people. I will never cease to be amazed by the kindness and big heartedness of folk. It was a very nice way to end 2020 in what was an awful year in many ways."

Mohammed Sheraz of the Army of Kindness, which supports Rochdale's homeless with food and clothing, said: "Thank you to Faisal for the donation and for his amazing support and help he has given us. He's our Santa all year round."

Angie Howarth, of Angie's Angels, said: "A big thank you for the huge box full of brand new socks. These will help lots of people over the winter."

Councillor Smith said: "The donation of lots of socks is really kind and so useful. They will be given to local families we work with on Langley and are I know will be very much appreciated. They are very timely given all the snow and ice we have at the moment."