Gresham’s annual gift campaign to support the Wythenshawe Barnardo’s Centre has returned in style for 2021. After a relatively subdued year for all of us, this year the team kindly donated more than ever, resulting in a bumper budget to buy gifts for local children who might not otherwise receive anything at Christmas time.
Each year, the Barnardo’s team at the Children’s Centre supply us with a list of families who they know are most in need of our support, along with each child’s age. From here, the Gresham team set about carefully selecting toys, books, games, and clothes suitable for each child, before bringing them back to the office to be wrapped.
This year has seen our team buy presents for 25 children, with ages ranging from six months right up to 16 years. The gifts will be delivered by the Christmas elves at the Barnardo’s Children Centre in Wythenshawe in time for the big day.
Our festive charity gift campaign started in 2014 after it was suggested that instead of Secret Santa gifts, the team put their money to better use and donate it to a good cause, locally. From starting with a relatively modest budget, the charity campaign has grown year on year and now represents a significant charitable fund of over £1,000.
Going the extra mile, the team here also donates some of their own children’s toys, clothes and bikes that are no longer used and, this year a team members friend also donated several hand knitted hats, mittens, and scarfs.
As well as gifts for the children and any extra donations, the charity fund also enables us to provide each family with a large food parcel consisting of staple and luxury food items for the festive period.
Morven Millar, Director at Gresham, commented:
“This is the eighth year we’ve supported our local Barnardo’s Children’s Centre and it’s a tradition we’re proud to be able to uphold. For those families that are struggling, the impact of the past couple of years is likely to be especially felt at Christmas time. This year more than ever, we hope the gifts and food parcels we have purchased will bring some cheer to some local children and families.”