Wellacre’s Annual Reverse Advent

Posted at 10:02 am on 15th December, 2021

Giving Gifts at Christmas

Wellacre’s annual Reverse Advent supported a fabulous community organisation this year, Cyril Flint Befrienders, by creating over 70 Christmas gift bags to be distributed amongst the elderly in Urmston, Flixton and Stretford.

 

Cyril Flint Befrienders works in Trafford to secure regular visits for elderly people in their home, who do not have frequent visitors. 

Wellacre students, families and staff donated items including tea, coffee and hot chocolate, biscuits and chocolates, and hand cream, soap and other suitable toiletries.

    

All gift bags were put together by Mrs Irwin’s Mindfulness P6 group as well as Year 10 Religious Studies students.  These students also wrote Christmas cards to add to the bags to introduce themselves and Wellacre, and let the elderly residents know that we will be thinking about them at Christmas. 

  

Cyril Flint is also working with the Life Church to provide a Christmas meal and cheer to as many lonely people as possible this year.  They held a Christmas party on Sunday 12th December, which was open to anyone that is lonely or Isolated living in Trafford, not just limited to service users.

They plan to hand deliver as many presents as possible to the lonely and isolated elderly people they work with and the remaining donated gifts will be given out to the elderly  attending the party.

Mrs Irwin, Head of House/Teacher of RE, said: 

“We are incredibly thankful to all the students and their families who have donated items,  everyone has been so generous.  It is important at this time of year to stop and think about others who may be lonely.  I know the beautifully written cards and their messages will bring such joy along with the gifts. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”

Mrs Sharrock, Principal, agreed:

“The Wellacre community always rallies to support a good cause.  Cyril Flint Befrienders’ efforts to provide companionship and friendship to older people clearly resonated with our students.  Thank you to everyone who helped and to Mrs Irwin for organising.”

We received a wonderful letter of thanks from Cyril Flint Befrienders Operation Manager, Nadia Gazeley.  She said:

"Your reach has been far and wide throughout the local community and you gifts have brought smiles to so many faces. For some people it may be the only gift they get this year.  Once again thank you ! What an truly overwhelming and beautiful thing to have done."