Army of Kindness spreads Christmas cheer at Eden House

Date published: 10 January 2021

The volunteer group Army of Kindness in partnership with Al-Khair Foundation spread Christmas cheer to those in need, with a special Christmas Day event at Eden House, Rochdale.

In true Christmas spirit, the special Christmas dinner saw 200 people from all walks of life attend at the former Rochdale Magistrates’ Court, with everyone coming together from asylum seekers and refugees to homeless people and those who are vulnerable or lonely.

Volunteers all gave up their time on the day to help out those in need, with younger people giving up their day to help by handed out presents to those who visited.

Six hundred meals were provided alongside 35 food parcels and 100 meals delivered to homeless shelters, families in need and family hostels.

Senior volunteer Mohammed Zaheer said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time at Eden House on Christmas Day, helping to put a smile on people’s faces.

“It’s been a terrible year to forget for many with lockdown and those shielding or facing loneliness.”

Chris Furlong, also a senior volunteer, added: “I’m very proud to be part of a selfless team that always puts others before themselves.

“I’m also very proud of our community across the borough and beyond who have stepped in to help those in need the most during the last five years. This was epitomised during the first lockdown when volunteers from all walks of life where helping us complete hundreds of deliveries all across the borough. Donations also came in from individuals and families and all communities.”

Saint Vincent de Paul which runs the Heywood Foodbank, joined the Muslim community of Rochdale and the Sikh temple at Cheetham Hill to provide food to distribute.

Mohammed ‘Shiri’ Sheraz, of the Army of Kindness added: “In a very dark year the Army of Kindness has showed that building bridges and not walls benefits everyone and we have more in common than that divides us.

“We would also like to thank the main sponsor, Al-Khair Foundation, who have supported the weeklyTuesday food kitchen on a monthly basis and all the businesses and individuals who donated, and Rochdale Community Partnership for the venue.

“Thank you once again.”

The Army of Kindness is there to help and support others in need throughout the year, meeting at Eden House at the old magistrates’ building every week on Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm.