Leigh Centurions, in conjunction with Leigh Community Trust and AB Sundecks are teaming up with The Bridge at Leigh to spread some Christmas joy to the local community.
In a far-reaching initiative, they aim to fill the void of Wish FM, who used to run a toy appeal and intend to combine this with food parcels for those most in need during the festive period.
Leigh Centurions will donate £10,000 to The Bridge towards the appeal and are now inviting club supporters and the people of Leigh and surrounding areas for support.
Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “The Club relies on the support of its fans in the local community and is a pillar of that community. It is only right that during these difficult and unprecedented times heading into the festive period that we support the wider community that may be facing difficulties. Having previously recognised the good work of The Bridge and their knowledge of the local community it seemed the ideal resource to again partner with to facilitate the project and we are extremely grateful for the fine work that they do.
“The logistical collection and storage of the toys will be conducted by AB Sundecks with the assistance of the Leigh Community Trust staff and delivered by the Leigh Centurions players. It is hoped that we can establish drop off points with our local community supermarkets who already have facilities for accepting items during the pandemic and the issues that presents. Full details will be provided in this regard once finalised.”
LCT Programmes Director Hannah Forbes said: “This is a great initiative, and the Trust are delighted to be heading it up alongside Leigh Centurions whilst staff are furloughed. COVID-19 has impacted on all of us and none more so than the local families of Leigh and the surrounding area. The work the Bridge have done since the first lockdown in March has been essential for the community. The amazing donation from the club means that as a collective we will be able to help vulnerable families this Christmas for food hampers and gifts of toys.”
Dorothy Bowker, trustee of The Bridge at Leigh said: “We are really overwhelmed by the generous support and donation of £10,000 from Leigh Centurions. This will make such a difference to what we can achieve working together reaching out particularly to those people who have lost their jobs or seen their income disappear. Spreading the JOY this Christmas with Food Hampers, Gifts and Toys to local children, struggling families and older folk in our community.”
If anyone would like to donate to this cause, please do so via this link paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3230118
Toy donations will be gratefully received by the staff at The Bridge during opening hours.
The Bridge at Leigh is a non-profit registered charity with a Community Cafe, Food Market (social supermarket), Wellness Rooms offering health and wellbeing support and advice, plus supported accommodation for seven people. Their mission is to reduce food waste, food poverty and social isolation.