Families across Cheshire affected by domestic abuse will receive bags of Christmas cheer after north west construction industry professionals clubbed together to collect goodies to hand out as festive gifts.
Staff from seven companies and representatives from the North West Construction Hub public sector framework teamed up to prepare scores of gift packs for distribution across the county on Christmas Eve by the charity MyCWA.
The charity, formerly known as Cheshire Without Abuse, offers support and emotional care to people affected by domestic abuse.
It provides a 24/7 helpline, crisis accommodation, advice clinics, recovery programmes and behaviour change courses. Last year, the charity supported more than 4,000 adults and children across Cheshire.
The seven companies involved in the ‘Spread a little Christmas magic’ donation drive were MC Construction, Equans, Kier, Greenmount Projects, Russell WBHO, Jamieson Contracting and Vinci Building.
They are all North West Construction Hub partners undertaking public sector projects throughout Cheshire, such as the redevelopment of Crewe’s Cumberland Arena football and athletics venue, where Salford-based MC Construction is the main contractor.
The companies along with their subcontractors responded to MyCWA’s Christmas appeal by donating a host of items, including selection boxes, toiletry sets, hot water bottles, fluffy socks, fleecy blankets, pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate drinks, mugs, notebooks and pens and more.
Eleven volunteers from the businesses and the hub attended MyCWA’s headquarters in Crewe to prepare pamper packs and Christmas Eve bags, and helped set out donated toys in the charity’s sorting room, where parents supported by the organisation can choose presents for their children.
Wendy Heaton, the North West Construction Hub, said: “Many of our framework partners are working on schemes in Cheshire and we all wanted to support a local charity where we could have a positive impact at this time of year, to make Christmas a little brighter for people who need it most.
“MyCWA does incredible work and is helping families across the community to celebrate Christmas with joy and dignity.
“It’s heartwarming to think this collaboration between the North West Construction Hub and our framework partners will literally spread a little festive magic to people going through tough times.”
Michaela East, community fundraiser at MyCWA, said: “This time of year is especially critical for our work. Sadly, the festive season brings a rise in domestic abuse.
“Financial pressures, increased family tensions and the emotional weight of Christmas can heighten stress in already volatile households. For the children we support, this can mean a greater risk of witnessing or experiencing trauma.
“At the same time, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to hit vulnerable families the hardest. Many of the parents we work with are doing everything they can to keep their children safe and cared for, but they’re facing impossible choices between heating, food and gifts.
“For them, support for our appeal doesn’t just bring Christmas joy, it brings relief and the reassurance that they are not alone, providing a glimmer of hope.
“The gifts are so much more than a kind gesture – they provide a sense of stability, warmth and love when everything else feels uncertain.
“We rely on generous donations from local people and companies, and the support we’ve received from the North West Construction Hub and its framework partners make a real difference.”
