We’ve all struggled with the Sellotape while wrapping a mountain of Christmas presents…and it seems Santa is no different as he attempted to get ahead with this year’s wrapping at his grotto in Manchester Arndale.
As its charity gift wrap service launched today, the centre’s little helpers have come to the rescue. Big or small, no challenge is too great for the expert wrappers, with previous wrapping requests including bikes, wooden reindeers from Manchester’s Christmas markets, a 3ft elephant statue, engagement rings and even a pineapple!
This year’s gift wrap service is in aid of Manchester Arndale’s Charity Star of the Year, Home-Start Greater Manchester. The region’s leading family support charity, Home-Start Greater Manchester has over 500 volunteers who offer vital support to local families and 1,700 children who are struggling to cope and may be at crisis point.
For £1 per item up to a shoe box size, £2 for large gifts, and £5 for extra-large or unusually shaped gifts, the team will ensure presents are perfectly wrapped and ready to go straight under the tree. All proceeds from the service will go straight to Home-Start Greater Manchester to help fund their vital work in the local community, including the recruitment and training of new volunteers to help more families in need across the city.
David Allinson, centre director for Manchester Arndale, said: “Christmas is a busy time for us all with shopping, office parties, and gatherings with family and friends. Not all of us are experts in the art of present wrapping and it’s often a last minute rush, so our gift wrap service takes some of the pressure off. Even better, it’s all in aid of a fantastic local cause and I’m sure the money donated will be greatly appreciated by all the volunteers and families supported by Home-Start Greater Manchester.
Sarah Cook, Home-Start manager, said: “We are delighted once again to be the recipient of Manchester Arndale’s Christmas gift wrap donations. At a time when life is getting harder for lots of families across Greater Manchester, now more than ever we need to train more volunteers to support families in their homes. Shoppers’ kind donations go a long way in helping us reach out to more local parents and their children who need us.”
The charity gift wrap service is located in Halle Place/Square and is available from Thursday 24 November through to Christmas Eve.
Opening times:
Monday-Saturday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 11.30am – 5.30pm
Christmas Eve 9am – 4pm
Pricing:
Small gift (up to a shoe box size) – £1
Large gifts – £2
Extra-large gifts or unusually shaped gifts – £5
