community
CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT Rochdale Borough Council are seeking donations to this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps make sure local children living in poverty have presents to open on December 25. The annual appeal, organised by the council’s staff-run ‘Giving Back’ charity, asks residents and staff to buy one extra present – a new, unwrapped gift suitable for a child between 0-16 years-old. Council staff, who distributed over 2,500 toys last year, will make sure they reach the borough’s less fortunate children in time for Christmas Day. Since 2015 the appeal has provided much needed festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers. Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity, said: "This appeal depends entirely on the generosity of people and businesses in our borough, and every year it is heart-warming to see how many care enough to take part and donate. This year has been like no other, and we know through our work with food banks and in the community that the day to day challenges felt by many local families have only got tougher as a result of the pandemic. It can be a time of real pressure and hardship, making Christmas a struggle for many reasons. I still want to make sure that every child in the borough wakes up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them and with your help we will do everything in our power to make this happen. We’ll ensure all gifts go to very worthwhile homes locally and I know from experience how much joy your thoughtful gifts will bring." Due to the national coronavirus restrictions, drop off points won’t be open this year so you are being asked to post your gift, or order it online and have it delivered straight to the appeal. The address is: Giving Back - Christmas Toy Appeal, Rochdale Borough Council, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU. Gifts will need to have been received by 4 December. To find out more about the appeal visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/christmas
102 YEAR OLD ROCHDALE VETERAN'S GARDEN - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED A 102-year-old war veteran from Rochdale has had his garden made over by an army of local volunteers, allowing him to remain independent and hang his washing out! Operation Re-Org had been approached by the Rochdale British Legion at the Armed Forces Breakfast Club, asking if several paving stones could be sourced for veteran Harold Burgess' garden. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that more than a few paving slabs would be needed, so Operation Re-Org turned to Facebook, asking for assistance across several veterans’ groups. Rochdale Council’s Armed Forces Officer, Caen Matthews then contacted Man of Rochdale Paul Ellison, and a volunteer appeal was made. The selfless volunteers to respond to the appeal included Wayne Stott, Ian Marshall, Gaz Stevenson, Alex Sharifi, Tim Ormerod, Paul Ellison, Tosh Brogan, Aimi McConnell, Adam Nesbitt, Chris Baddeley, Jordan Simpson, Rick Solan - RS Landscapes, Christine Mchugh and Roy Down from Rochdale In Bloom, 11 year old Caitlin Watson and 8 year old Niamh McConnell.
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Terry Morley, Operation Re-Org Manager from Groundwork GM, said: "I had the utmost pleasure to chat with Harold. He is one of the nicest, bravest and most humble men I have ever met and he asked me to thank everyone for their contributions, work completed and messages he received. 102 and still going strong; a true veteran and gentlemen we are all very proud of. "The biggest thank you must go to Paul Ellison for projecting managing this. Without his knowledge, contacts and true community spirit, it would never have turned out so well, so quick and with very little disturbance to Harold." Paul Ellison said: "It was fantastic to be part of this project, and to see the community come together for such a special gentleman. Well done to all the volunteers and supporters." Donations were made by R & M Building supplies, Frank Keys tool hire, Gordon Riggs Garden Centre, Christine Campbell from Garden of Eden, John Alexander the singing jeweller, Steven Dougie from Jet Cleaning Services, Rebecca from the Norden Co-op and David Wilshaw from Norden Carpets and Flooring – who added a new hallway carpet to finish off the transformation.
