News release
2018-11-29
Halton Christmas Toy Appeal boosted by merseyflow
The Halton Christmas Toy Appeal is being backed by merseyflow, which has kicked off its support by donating over £200 worth of brand-new toys.
Staff and customers are already adding to that by bringing in toys and Christmas presents to the drop-off point at merseyflow’s walk-in centre in Manor Park in Runcorn to support the appeal.
In addition to the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal drop-off point at the merseyflow walk-in centre, anyone who wants to support the appeal can also drop toys off at various locations including:
- Halton and St Helens VCA, Lugsdale Road, Widnes
- Cathie Stankevitch Foundation, Dennis Road, Widnes
- Puregym, Widnes
- Morrisons, Widnes
- Widnes Hall Care Home
The toys need to be new and unopened, and the appeal is aimed at helping disadvantaged children aged between 0 and 18.
Anyone who wants to help can also donate money via the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal’s ‘GoFundMe’ page and you can keep up to date with its progress on Facebook and Twitter .
The inspirational woman behind the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal is Widnes-based Nicky Woodward. The self-employed mum of four takes five weeks off work in the run-up to Christmas every year to run the charity. Nicky has also been helped out hugely over the past four years with collections by the Cathie Stankevitch Foundation, which is based in Dennis Road in Widnes.
Around 300 local children have benefited from the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal over the past four years since it was first launched.
Nicky said: “I set up the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal because I wanted to do something to make sure that every child right here in Halton has something to brighten up their Christmas.
“All of the toys and every penny of any money collected will go to help make Christmas special for less fortunate children who otherwise might not have very much to celebrate. I’d like to thank everyone who is supporting the appeal – it really will make a difference.”
Helen Williams, Marketing Manager at merseyflow, said: “Our team decided to bring in toys for the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal because it is a really important cause, such a local charity, and we felt that our support could really help. There is a drop-off point in our walk-in centre and we’ve already had customers and staff adding to the collection so we’re really pleased to be helping out.”
Merseyflow is the toll/charge operator for the landmark Mersey Gateway Bridge, that is helping provide quicker, easier and more reliable journeys for people living in Halton and surrounding areas.
To find out more visit: www.merseyflow.co.uk.