Apprenticeship and training specialist Steve Rushton has praised the astonishing generosity of people in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme following the success of an appeal to spread a little Christmas cheer.
Steve, of Training and Business Solutions Ltd, teamed up with Newfriars College, Bucknall, to collect Christmas gifts for young people… and the response from residents and the business community blew him away.
He decided to devote the first 12 evenings in December to a Christmas present collection – backed up with an appeal on social media. It led to hundreds of gifts of toys and toiletries being donated as well as money to buy more.
“I’ve been blown-away by the generosity of spirit among our local community,” said Steve. “I knew people would want to help, but the generosity of local residents and the business community has exceeded expectations.
He added: “People have contacted me from far and wide and we’ve even received a package full of gifts from my brother and sister-in-law in Australia.
“Local companies, such as Staffordshire Construction Services, Virtue (Staffs) Ltd, Forrester Holdings and Hopton Lettings Ltd, have pulled out all the stops to help.
“I also want to thank staff and customers of the Travellers Rest, Bucknall, members of Totally Staffordshire networking and the Sir Stanley Matthews BNI chapter which made a generous £200 donation.”
Rob Millington, Head of Newfriars College, which supports young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16 to 25, said: “Steve’s generosity in organising this collection is incredible. We know him through his work with apprentices and we’re delighted to be working with him to support youngsters from Newfriars.”
Steve has now delivered boxes full of presents to the Community Junction cafe, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was set up this year to provide opportunities for Newfriars’ students to prepare for adult life.
Around 21 students currently work part time in the café, learning how to prepare and cook healthy meals, to take orders, and serve customers.
