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Thank you for supporting the 2024 Christmas Dinner

20 Jan 2025

A huge thanks from the Christmas Dinner Steering Group to everyone that got involved to make Christmas 2024 a special one, for young care leavers from across Greater Manchester.

People enjoying their dinner

Whether you contributed to the fundraising appeal, bought a gift from the Amazon Gift List, took part in the raffle, helped to prepare the venue and wrap gifts, or hosted our 50 guests at Woolton Hall on Christmas Day, we couldn’t have done it without you – THANK YOU!

Initially aiming to hit a fundraising target of £3,000, thanks to your generous online donations plus funds raised from our raffle that toured across campus, we raised an incredible £4,600.

These funds ensured we could cover the cost of transport to and from the venue for every one of our guests from across Greater Manchester. It also supported us providing a specific gift for each guest (of their choosing) alongside the wider gifts and hamper they each receive. Each new guest (those that have not attended in previous years) also receives a beautiful handmade quilted blanket from Quilts for Care Leavers, so they can always wrap themselves in a warm hug.

Alongside the Christmas dinner itself, there was entertainment for our guests throughout the afternoon with karaoke, a magician, crafting activities, pool, and other games. Huge thanks again to all that provided and supported these activities.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison also got involved in helping to get things set up for the big day at Woolton Hall, joining us on the preparation day to pack hampers, wrap gifts and write cards for our guests.

Watch the film below to see how the day came together and most importantly, hear from some of our guests on what the day meant to them.

Want to get involved this year?

While it is just the start of 2025, if you would like to get involved with this year’s Christmas Dinner the Steering Group will be reconvening in the early autumn to start their planning, so watch out for more information later in the year.