For many years, Petrus has run successful Easter egg appeals alongside Rochdale Borough Children’s Services to provide chocolate eggs and treats for vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
In light of the current lockdown a collection this year was looking unlikely, as our Petrus Community Store where donations are usually dropped off is temporarily closed and Children’s Services are carrying out essential visits only.
But thanks to the generosity of the local community, we’ve been able to distribute over 300 eggs and chocolates to children and families throughout Rochdale, many who may not otherwise have had an egg this Easter.
Treats were delivered to Queens Street Contact Centre, Crimble Croft Community Centre and Newbold Children’s Centre, with the final batch going to Rochdale Police Station, where Sergeant Brendan Walsh received them on behalf of the Rainbow Egg Appeal, organised by Rochdale Borough Safer Communities Partnership. Greater Manchester Police in Rochdale delivered these eggs to local children’s homes and women’s and family refuges, and to houses displaying a rainbow in the window.
Sergeant Walsh said: “Delivering the eggs has been a fantastic positive experience for the front-line police officers involved.”
Anna Ashworth, Team Manager at Queens Street Contact Centre said: “A massive thank you from all the staff at Queens St! There were lots of smiles and ‘thank yous’ from the children and their carers. It has been a particularly difficult time for the families we work with; children and parents live separately and have not been able to see each other face to face. We have been working hard to try to maintain these relationships and the thoughtful donation from Petrus gave us an opportunity to let the children know we are thinking of them.”
The efforts of local businesses, members of the public, Petrus staff, the Police and those working with children in the borough helped to make sure that the lockdown didn’t put a stop to bringing joy to some of the most vulnerable children in Rochdale this Easter.
Before closing its doors, TK Maxx Rochdale donated perishable goods to Petrus, including over 50 large Easter eggs and a huge variety of chocolate treats.
We also received 150 assorted eggs from Poundland, who had matched every egg their customers donated.
Edmund Clout, Petrus Hub Service Manager, said: “We’re so pleased we could still carry out our annual Easter egg appeal. I’m particularly proud of the team at Petrus. We didn’t plan an appeal this year due to the current circumstances, but the donations flooded in and we were able to get them out to children across the borough at very short notice.
“It has also been great working with Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership, Children’s Services and Greater Manchester Police, Rochdale Division. We hope the Easter treats brought some joy to the families and children who received them.”
We’re continuing to deliver a takeaway food service to those facing homelessness or in housing need as well as meals for residents in our housing projects. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the community so far but we’re still looking for help.
If you or any businesses can offer food or takeaway container donations, please call 01706 526289 to arrange drop off at Petrus Hub (73 Great George Street, Rochdale, OL16 1QG). Donations can be made Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Alternatively, online donations on our Virgin Money Giving page can really help us to fund this service.