Christmas hampers delivered to vulnerable households in Wrexham

There was over double the number of hampers compared to last year's Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal (30 hampers) for families in the Caia Park and Hightown areas.

The appeal was launched as a collaboration between Sarah Atherton MP, Mecca Bingo, Wrexham Rotary Club and Caia Park Partnership.

On hand to help get the hampers delivered were volunteers with the business Ian Williams.

The hampers also came with chickens from local company Bicks which were bought thanks to donations.

In attendance to help was Deputy Mayor of Wrexham Cllr Paul Rogers and Mecca Bingo’s managing director, Andy Crump.

The team of organisers and volunters for the Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal (Image: Newsquest-Leader)

This year over £3,500 was raised to provide many more Christmas hampers to further support vulnerable members of the community this festive period.

In addition, Asda gave £1,000, the Co-op gave £450 and a Just Giving page set up by Mecca Bingo Wrexham raised £660. This included donations from Wockhardt UK Ltd, Allington Hughes Law and Wrexham Club Ties Ltd.

READ MORE: Mecca Bingo set to hand out over 100 Christmas hampers to vulnerable households

Mecca has also donated £250 cash to the Rotary Toy Appeal along with 120 toys/games.

Tracy Leigh, general manager of Mecca Bingo Wrexham organised the appeal and saw that the cost of living crisis meant there were more vulnerable families, but also more people willing to get involved and help, including customers donating money.

She said: “After the success of last year and the feedback of how much it was needed, with what’s been going on with the cost-of-living crisis this year we thought we’re going to need more, so we’ve doubled it for Caia Park and then we were told about a few vulnerable families in Hightown so we’ve done the extra.

“It was more expensive this year because food prices have jumped up so each hamper has cost 20% more but the customers have been great with raising the money.”

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Kath Williams, of the Caia Park Partnership explained who will be receiving these hampers.

She said: “Families who literally have nothing, we’ve got single elderly people who don't have any family and are vulnerable and on their own, and we’ve got some going to the Ukraine community up in Hightown as well.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”

@leaderlive_ Merry Christmas! This amazing appeal saw over double the hampers made last year thanks to support from the community! #wrexham #meccabingo #hampers #christmas ♬ Christmas standard song - 3KTrack

Sarah Atherton MP said: “This year, the Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal was bigger and better than in previous years! Wrexham businesses along with residents have shown their true sense of community spirit by helping those less fortunate during a time which is particularly hard for many people.

“I was so pleased to join Andy down yet again at Mecca Bingo to get our Santa hats on and deliver the hampers throughout Wrexham.

“Special thanks to Tracy Leigh, Jane Wedley and Kath Williams for organising another successful year of Everyone Deserves a Christmas.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, these Christmas hampers and gift bags truly brighten many families’ festive celebrations.

“If you missed the chance to donate this time round, then make sure to keep an eye out for next year’s appeal!”

Deputy Mayor Cllr Paul Rogers  said: “I’m delighted we (were) here to help and support everyone in helping deserving families at this time of year.”