Wigan organisations have a cracking idea to give children Easter cheer

Daffodils Dreams is launching an Easter egg appeal to provide gifts for youngsters who would not receive anything otherwise.

Over the past two years the organisation has bought chocolate eggs and distributed them through a certain number of schools to those in need.

But this year several Wigan businesses have come forward to donate or collect Easter eggs, so a larger appeal is being held to bring joy to more children.

It follows the success of a Christmas Eve box appeal, which saw businesses and individuals donate so many gifts that they were given to youngsters on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Maureen Holcroft, who runs Daffodils Dreams, said: “Local businesses came together at Christmas and they are keen to make a difference at Easter.

“They have asked if we are doing anything as they would like to get involved. They realise this year is going to be difficult for parents.”

After writing to thank the businesses involved in the Christmas collection, Maureen was contacted by GMS Services in Standish to see if an Easter egg appeal was planned.

She said: “They said they would like to donate 200 eggs. We weren’t going to do anything massive, but we thought it was brilliant.”

Gemma Ollerton, company director of GMS Services, which controls Legionnaires’ disease in water systems, said: “I know how hard it is for kids to be home-schooled and left out - I have two children of my own and know how difficult it is. We know there are families struggling and as a company we thought we wanted to give back to the community.

“We wanted to keep it local and give something back to bring some normality to children in these strange times.”

Also involved in the appeal is the Balcarres Arms at Haigh, another firm which collected gifts for children at Christmas.

They already have hundreds of Easter eggs and have secured the support of several organisations and individuals, including The Crown pub in New Springs, Tesco, British Bulldog Bikers, One House community centre and John Hulme.

Landlady Sharon Connolly said: “We did so well with our appeal at Christmas and felt like we wanted to continue. With the situation with coronavirus and children and families struggling, we felt like it was the right time to help.”

Chorley Nissan has promised to give 30 Easter eggs and act as a drop-off point for people wishing to donate more.

Faith Boutique in Standish will also be a drop-off point, with owner Natalie Murphy lending her support to Daffodils Dreams again, after holding a fund-raising auction last month.

Easter Sunday falls on April 4 and people are asked to donate chocolate eggs, bonnets, cuddly chicks or other treats for children.

To find out more, go to www.daffodilsdreams.org or search for Daffodils Dreams on Facebook.

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