For a second year, Bradford Cathedral has joined with Bradford Cinderella Club to hold their Shoe Box Appeal.
Among those who volunteered was Joanne Middleton who recently won European Gold in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Championships (pictured left, third from left). She joined other volunteers at Bradford Cathedral at the weekend for what has become an annual event, providing Christmas treats to underprivileged children in the area.
Last December the Cathedral and Bradford Cinderella Club got together for the first time and the volunteers managed to exceed their target of 200 shoeboxes which were sent to children's charities for distribution.
Swapping kickboxing for shoe boxing, Jo Middleton said it is a pleasure to assist with something locally that will give something to Bradford children who would struggle to get anything at this special time of the year.
Terry Pearson Trustee of Bradford Cinderella Club said he was overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness from across Bradford with donations and gifts that have been donated. "Gifts have come from Schoolchildren at Wycliffe CE Primary School, Baildon Juniors Football Club, as well as Team Fulinkazan, Keighley and Worth Valley Rotary and many many more. It really is appreciated that we get the support we do.", he said.
The full list of donors included:
1. Keighley and Worth Valley Rotary
2. Broadway Shopping Centre
3. Westfield House Job Centre
4. Bingley Juniors football club
5. Sea Cadets
6. Environplumb company
7. Fulinkazan Gymn including Joanne Doyle the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial arts Federation) European Gold Featherweight
8. Wycliffe C of E primary school in Saltaire
9. PIN Property Consultancy in Manchester
10. Members of the public & cathedral congregation
11. Bradford Alahambra who donated 20 pantomime tickets
Canon Mandy Coutts from Bradford Cathedral said it was sad that there is still so much need for this kind of event, providing gifts to children who for whatever reason would not get anything at Christmas. “With the combined help of all, we want to ensure that those less fortunate at Christmas will have a little something to smile about.”