We are pleased to report that, thanks to our friends at FC United of Manchester, Christmas Comforts at Broadhurst Park was a great success this year. Sheridan Lifts were proud to be the main event sponsor which helped over 100 guests from the city and suburbs on 25 December 2019.
Christmas dinner was cooked at the stadium by these amazing volunteers and served to the guests as well as for a local sheltered housing project. There was gifts, music, games and practical help available too with a hairdresser on site whilst dental and nursing advice was also provided. All food that wasn’t consumed went to other parties and even the waste from plates was given to animal feed.
A coach was provided for pick ups and drop offs whilst a volunteer was also on hand to return people to their accommodations. One lady commented:
“This is the safest and most loved we have felt for a long, long time”
From chatting with the guys at the club, the event on Christmas Day seemed to be a great success, with many of these brilliant volunteers working shifts across 12-hour days on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There was FIFA on the Playstation, colouring, and even a 5-a-side football tournament on the 3G pitch!
There were so many heart-warming stories to come out of the day.
Naturally, there were no shortage of presents either.
Each child that came on the day left with a gift from the toy mountain and there were wrapped gifts from Santa to take away, too. Essential toiletry packs and fruit and food packs were also provided.
Throughout the month of November, volunteers from the football club have been collecting clothing, toys and games as well as everyday essentials, some of which will be given out on Big Coat Day on 11 January, which is something we have been collecting for as well.
Today we dropped off the bags to add to the collection and myself and our engineer Pete McHale even enjoyed a mini tour of the stadium.
As main sponsor we were pleased to be able to offer financial support to this amazing event, but we are sure you will agree that the real stars are those 50 volunteers who gave up their time over the festive period to offer help and support when it was so badly needed.
A special mention also to the other companies who helped support the day including Forever Manchester, MCC Homeless Unit, HMG Paints, Bailey’s Turkeys of Tabley, Kelloggs, Chris Noone, Organic Soul Food and The Myriad Foundation
Well done to everyone concerned!