A SADDLEWORTH business is hoping to make Christmas a little brighter for older and vulnerable residents by delivering festive hampers and offering some much-needed companionship.
Matila Services Ltd, based in Delph, has launched a Christmas Hamper Appeal with an initial target of providing 30 hampers to people across the area who may be spending the festive season alone or have limited support.
The initiative has been inspired by a childhood memory of company director Ross Campbell, whose father Alan organised a similar appeal while working at Royton and Crompton.
During Ross’s school years, pupils from different year groups would bring in donations, which were then packed into hampers and distributed to people in the community.
Now Ross hopes to continue that family tradition through his own business, bringing together employees, customers, suppliers and local residents to support those who need a little extra kindness at Christmas.
The appeal is about more than simply delivering gifts. Staff will also take time to chat with recipients who would welcome some company, recognising that loneliness can be particularly difficult during the festive period.
Matila plans to work alongside local organisations to identify residents who would benefit from the initiative, with deliveries taking place throughout Saddleworth in December.
Although the initial aim is to distribute 30 hampers, organisers hope to increase that number if sufficient donations are received.
Local businesses and residents are being encouraged to contribute suitable food items, festive treats and small gifts, or make a financial donation to help purchase additional supplies.
Matila Services Ltd will provide the hamper boxes and Christmas cards, while its team will volunteer their time to assemble and deliver the gifts.
The campaign is being promoted under the message “A hamper, a visit, a little Christmas kindness”, reflecting the company’s ambition to provide both practical support and a friendly face during the festive season.
Donations of hamper items can be dropped off at Saddleworth Business Centre, Huddersfield Road, Delph, OL3 5DF, until November 20.
Financial contributions can also be made through the company’s JustGiving crowdfunding appeal.
For further information, contact Matila Services Ltd on 0161 566 7600.
Organisers hope the appeal will become an annual tradition, continuing the generosity first demonstrated by the Campbell family many years ago.
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