
Leeds Rhinos were out in numbers along with local social media star Danny Malin to support butchers Malcolm Michaels’ Christmas campaign at Crossgates Shopping Centre in East Leeds.
Malcolm Michaels is asking people to donate presents that will then be given to the children of people being supported by Forward Leeds, the city’s alcohol and drug support service and the children supported by the Children Liver Disease Foundation.
Malcolm Leary, who owns the butchers said: “The cost of living crisis has hit a lot of people hard this year. Some of the people who’ve found this year really tough are those who are also trying to get their drinking or drug use under control at the same time.
“When parents choose to get support from Forward Leeds, they’re trying to change their life for the better. We’re trying to help parents who want that better life for their families by providing a little extra something for their children this Christmas.”
The Family Plus team at Forward Leeds support individuals and their families through the recovery journey from their issues with substances. The team runs groups and activities to enable families to spend positive time together. They also work with the children of clients directly to provide assistance and explore well-being.
Manager of the Family Plus team at Forward Leeds Lucy Fowley said: “People we support are so grateful for the gifts that Malcolm and his team provide. We’re so pleased Malcolm has decided to do this again. In the past we have had parents in tears as they did not think their children would have anything at Christmas”.
Manager of Crossgates Shopping Centre Matthew Middleton said: “We’re delighted to support Malcolm’s campaign. The work Forward Leeds does for the community of East Leeds is incredible and it’s wonderful to know we are helping people who are getting support from the service.”
There is a giant Perspex box near to Malcolm Michaels Butchers in the Crossgates Shopping Centre where people can donate unwrapped presents. These will then be collected up by Forward Leeds Children Liver Disease Foundation and delivered by their teams to children across the city.
Photos show Malcolm Leary and staff, Leeds Rhinos including coach Rohan Smith, scrum-half Richie Myler and Asst Coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Rate My Takeaways Danny Malin.