Stockport shoppers raised £70,000 for families in need in the borough over Christmas

Shoppers at the Merseyway Shopping Centre helped raise over £70,000 worth of gifts and essentials for those most in need in Stockport over Christmas.

The annual Giving Tree appeal at the town centre shopping precinct this year saw more than 7,000 presents and essentials provided to children and adults in Stockport thanks to the generosity of local shoppers.

Hosted in collaboration with Age UK Stockport and supported by Elaine O’Reilly from Stockport Council, the Giving Tree ran from November to December 2022 and supported those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis at Christmas, with shoppers being able to donate bespoke gifts and essentials via a giant white Christmas tree.

The appeal saw over £70,000 of items, including blankets, toys, books, games, pyjamas, slippers, distributed by the Centre Management team to schools and charities across the borough.

Merseyway Centre Manager, Victoria Nichol said:

“The current rise in costs across the UK has created a huge financial strain for families within our town, so our aim for the Giving Tree this year was not only to help those who were financially struggling to buy gifts at Christmas, but to help those who couldn’t afford to keep warm due to the rise in gas and electric prices too.

“This year, we placed an extra Giving Tree in Stockport Exchange where local businesses helped to collect donations for Age UK Stockport and once again, we are thrilled and overwhelmed by the level of participation. The 2022 campaign has seen a huge rise in local business participation, and I’d like to take this opportunity to give a special mention to Seven Movement Gym, Action 365, and Gorvins Solicitors, who all donated an extraordinary number of items by raising money for gifts via their own fundraiser initiatives.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in this initiative, and to let you know that every one of your donations has made a huge difference. Every year we receive a staggering amount of feedback, but due to the current crisis we have received even more grateful responses, including a comment from a local mum who informed us she was now able to breathe easily due to the heavy financial weight that had been lifted from her shoulders.”

Chief Executive of Age UK Stockport, Margaret Brade said:

“The Giving Tree certainly lived up to its name with an incredible 386 winter warmth items collected. These all went out into the community and were donated along with winter warmth information to many vulnerable residents through District Nurse Teams and Age UK Stockport Hospital Discharge Service, amongst other services. We’d like to thank all who supported this great venture- your generosity really made a difference to a lot of people this Christmas and is continuing to make a difference as the cold weather continues.”