Record for Toy Appeal as over 2,500 children receive gifts

Helen Walton from the Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal with Cardinal Langley School pupils Oliver and Lucy

Another huge team effort for the Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal and lots of local generosity meant over 2,500 less fortunate children had gifts to open on Christmas Day.

Residents and businesses stepped up to help, donating a record 7,000 toys and gifts which were sorted and delivered to local homes last month.

Helen Walton, from the council’s staff charity Rochdale Giving Back, who runs the appeal said: “Rochdale has pulled out all the stops again so we could support more children.

"The appeal received a huge number of individual donations and saw more businesses than ever supporting us which is great. Lots of workplaces now act as Father Christmas to children who would otherwise go without.

"It was also fantastic to have so many young people from Hopwood Hall College and Rochdale Sixth Form College who gave up their Saturday, volunteering to help sort the toys and gifts for distribution.

"Our collective success relies entirely upon the generosity of the many people who donate and on the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers. I am exceptionally proud of the way that once again our borough has come together to help children who are in need.”

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal has once again shown what a truly special community we are. In times of hardship, we roll up our sleeves and pull together to make magic happen for our children across the borough.

She added: "Thanks to the incredible generosity of our residents and businesses, the tireless work of volunteers, over 2,500 children woke up to gifts on Christmas morning.

"A record-breaking number of toys were donated, the most we have ever had - a true testament to the kindness and spirit that defines our borough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

Since 2013 the appeal has provided festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers. It is organised by the council’s staff charity in partnership with Rochdale Football Club, Rochdale Riverside and Your Trust.

Businesses and other organisations that helped included Crown Oil, STM Agency, Rochdale Online, Rochdale Riverside, RRG Toyota Rochdale, The Retreat, The Highfield Hospital, Dachser Ltd, PDS Doorsets, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company, Rochdale Sixth Form College, Hopwood Hall College, The Works, Marlow Products, Commercial Filters, Dale Industrial Hose and Fittings, Spaldings Groundcare Equipment, Calibration Engineering Services, Greens Automotive Repairs, Balmers Groundcare Equipment, Ciceley Commercial Vehicles (Bolton), Alpine Recovery, Lodge Tyres, Reed Employment Agency, Harrisons Specialised Coatings, Triad Fabrications, the Sunrise team at Greater Manchester Police and Willow View School.

If you are interested in helping this year’s appeal, email: ToyCollection@rochdale.gov.uk