Christmas Toy Appeal 2022 – Our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters

Once again, the community of Leigh united to make our 2022 Christmas Toy Appeal a success – ensuring that vulnerable families across the borough each received a festive food hamper and age-appropriate gifts for every child referred to us by our valued partner agencies.

Pam Gilligan, CEO of Compassion in Action, said: “During this unprecedented cost of living crisis, we are especially grateful to all our supporters for their wonderful generosity. From local businesses and our amazing partners to individuals in the community, we have been so grateful for every donation made – in many cases from people and companies who have believed in and supported the work of the charity year on year for the benefit of the community.

‘We were also delighted to host festive lunches for our Ladies’ Luncheon Club and our amazing veterans, who were our special guests at Patrick House. I would also like to thank our volunteer gift wrappers, as well as my amazing team of staff who have worked so hard behind the scenes to coordinate Leigh’s longest-running Christmas Toy Appeal – including volunteering on Christmas Eve.”

Here is a selection of just some of the donations we gratefully received on behalf of Wigan Borough’s families in need:

With heartfelt thanks to Julie Ling, pictured with toy donations on behalf of PGL Pipelines

Paul Barton, Director of Environment at Wigan Council: “It’s an absolute privilege for Wigan Council to work with Compassion in Action to distribute much-needed help and support to the community over Christmas, and we are delighted to strengthen this partnership year on year.”

In addition to delivering toys, donated by Leigh Leopards’ community, players also took part in gift-wrapping (see more)

Toys received with heartfelt thanks from Clearways Drainage System

Hovis are valued long-term supporters of our annual Christmas Toy Appeal

Toys and gifts were donated to families at Bamber Court

Our Business Admin Apprentice Chloe Gilligan delivered toys to the Rainbow Ward at Wigan Infirmary

A selection of the gifts that were delivered for children on E5 and Paediatric A&E at Royal Bolton Hospital

Staff volunteered on Christmas Eve to prepare food hampers for local families who are in crisis

Every festive food hamper contained fresh vegetables