Thanks to the wonderful support of so many we were able to ensure that nearly 4,000 children in Manchester and Salford had a Christmas to remember.  

In the run up to Christmas, we appealed for donations of new toys and gifts as well as treats such as selection boxes and advent calendars. The presents are given new so every child is made to feel like any other when opening their presents on Christmas morning, and unwrapped so that parents and carers can come and select the gifts themselves in the run up to Christmas. The Appeal was run from our headquarters in Manchester City Centre.

We rely greatly on support from the local community who as always, organised collections of toys and added extra items to their own shopping in the run up to Christmas. Local companies and manufacturers have been fantastic with donations of presents and many showed their support including hosting company UKFast. The company put its weight behind the appeal by acting as a drop off point for donations and placing our appeal’s advert on the 35 ft billboard directly outside UKFast’s Headquarters on Princess Parkway in Hulme.

The Appeal was rounded off in true Christmas spirit thanks once again, to The Sheridan.
On 23rd December over 300 local children and families were treated to a wonderful Christmas Party in the plush surroundings of The Sheridan on Oldham Road, Manchester.   The Sheridan were delighted to sponsor the event for the second year running and wanted to ensure that all guests went home with memories to last a lifetime.

Vanessa Myers, Managing Director at The Sheridan said “It was our absolute pleasure to host this event once again and we very much see it as a highlight of our year. We believe in helping the local community who are in need and we are very pleased to be able to work with Wood Street Mission and play a part in something incredibly special”

On the day, The Sheridan ensured that guests enjoyed delicious food whilst being entertained by a spectacular themed dance show, bouncy castles, face painting, magicians, balloon modelling, a disco, photo booth and a visit with presents from the big man himself, Santa. As a generous extra touch, every family left with a bag full of Christmas food.

Des Lynch, Manager of Wood Street Mission said: “Yet again, The Sheridan left us completely overwhelmed by their generosity with nothing too much trouble for Vanessa and her team. The venue is superb and the professionalism of the whole team is second to none. For some of the families, it might be their only opportunity to enjoy Christmas and we’re proud that we are able to play our part. We are incredibly grateful to The Sheridan for helping to make it such a special day.   Every year the level of support we receive from our local community is outstanding. We are incredibly grateful to our whole community for their generosity throughout the year and especially at Christmas. In 2019 we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary and although it saddens us greatly that our need is greater than ever, we are looking forward to working with our partners and community in making an even bigger impact.” 

Manchester and Salford combined have over 48,000 children living in poverty, with families struggling each day to make ends meet, many of them in low paid and insecure work. The festive season in particular can be a real struggle for many parents. Not only is there the expense of presents and a Christmas Dinner, there is also the extra costs of providing meals for their children, when they might normally receive free school meals during the week.

On behalf of every family who has benefited from our Christmas Appeal, thank you.