With the news that one in three children are currently living in poverty in Greater Manchester and that families are facing a difficult Christmas with the rising cost of living, reuse has a big role to play in offering quality pre-loved items at affordable prices.
To help with the tough festive season ahead, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) donated more than 50 pre-loved bikes, trikes and scooters from the Renew Hub to HITS Radio’s Mission Xmas appeal.
John Wrigley, Regional Director for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said:
“We are extremely proud of our reuse operation in Greater Manchester. Providing quality pre-loved items at affordable prices, could not be more necessary than during the current cost of living crisis.
“Through our operations at the Renew Hub, we have given new homes to almost 1000 bikes so far in 2022. We are supported by our partners Manchester Bike Kitchen, who repair them and ensure that they are road safe, before we sell them on. Giving the proceeds back to the local community.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to support Mission Xmas this year by donating more than 50 bikes, trikes and scooters to children living in poverty this Christmas.”
The Christmas appeal is part of the charity Cash for Kids, whose mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people affected by; poverty, illness, neglect, or those who have additional needs. Cash for Kids try to ensure that a child who could be at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas Day, will have something to open.
Jess Rigby, Charity Manager for Hits Radio & Greatest Hits Radio Cash for Kids said:
“It breaks our hearts that one in three children are living in poverty in Greater Manchester and are likely to not have any gifts to open on Christmas morning. The families who we support are already facing the unimaginable choice of whether to heat their homes or feed their children, and Christmas is a luxury they just can’t afford. But that’s where our Mission Christmas toy appeal comes in, to bring these children joy and make Christmas the special day it should be.
“We have received applications for over 35,000 children in Greater Manchester and without the amazing support of local businesses, we would not be able to help them.
“I would like to say a massive thank you on behalf of Hits Radio Cash for Kids to SUEZ and the Renew Hub for donating so many amazing bikes, scooters, trikes and more! I still remember the magical feeling when I received my first bike off Santa, knowing that we are going to bring that magic to local children this Christmas is incredible.”
The Renew Hub at Trafford Park gives new homes to Greater Manchester resident’s pre-loved items. Items are donated at the household waste recycling centres and taken to the Renew Hub. With the help of the pods that repair and upcycle items, more than 90,000 everyday household items have been sold since the Hub began its operations last year.
Manchester Bike Kitchen (a not-for-profit community interest company) has helped to repair and give a second life to almost 1,000 bikes this year (2022). Manchester Bike Kitchen operate from the Renew Hub repairing bikes and making sure that they are road safe.
However, most children’s bikes are donated in excellent condition with minor servicing needed as a result of the previous owner simply outgrowing it. Pre-loved bikes are available to buy at affordable prices from three Renew shops and the eBay store.
