More residents and businesses than ever before stepped up to help, donating a record 10,000 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:
“We really can’t thank everyone enough for their kind donations. The appeal replies so much upon the generosity of the many people who donate, and on the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers. To all those who supported us, you have made a lot of children very happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much for your support.”
Oliver, a music performance student at Access Creative College in Manchester, with his sister Lucy, a pupil at Cardinal Langley RC High School and their mum Jane. Oliver and Lucy support the appeal each year, asking people to bring gifts to their mum’s salon, R & R Therapy in Middleton.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“Wow, this year’s response has been amazing. I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, residents, council staff, schools, our volunteers and community groups. So many local businesses and their employees also stepped up and were incredibly generous. This record-breaking appeal shows what we can achieve. 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.
Helen Walton meets some of the team from Renold Gears who donated gifts from customers and staff to boost the 2025 appeal.
Businesses and other organisations that helped included Alpine Recovery, Altus Educational Trust, Ascend Properties, AST Hampson Solicitors, B&M Bargains (Yorkshire Street), Rochdale, Balmers Groundcare, Bamford Academy, Brakes International, Ciceley Commercial Vehicles, Commercial Filters, Dale Industrial Hose and Fittings, Faun Refuse Collection Vehicles, Greens Automotive, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Hunter Price, HY Solicitors, Lodge Tyres, Marlow Products, Marks and Spencer Rochdale, Nando’s Rochdale, The Norton Grange Hotel, Renold Gears, Ripe Thinking Insurance, Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club, Rochdale Sixth Form College, Roland Barnes, Sharrocks Groundcare, Springfield Park Care Home, Star Procurement, STM Agency, The Baum, The Highfield Hospital, The Trade Centre UK and The Works, Rochdale.
If you are interested in helping this year’s appeal, email ToyCollection@rochdale.gov.uk.
