Swansway Group spreads Easter cheer to Lancashire community

Family owned Swansway Group, with new and used car and van dealerships located across the North West and Midlands, has shown their support to families in the areas where they do business, with gifts of Cadbury chocolate treats, to those who might otherwise not have any celebratory fare over the Easter weekend.

Vulnerable people across the UK are continuing to struggle as a consequence of the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gifts on behalf of all the Swansway teams have been delivered in a COVID-secure way, as a much needed boost to those in their local communities that need them the most.

In Preston, on behalf of Swansway staff members from Preston Audi and Volkswagen Van Centre Lancashire, gifts were given to the Preston Glades Care Home on Miller Road.

In Blackburn, on behalf of Swansway staff members from Blackburn Audi, gifts were given to the Secret Santa CiC organisation that supports families living in poverty and to the staff of the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The beneficiaries of the donations were selected by Swansway team members and in consultation with local charity partners. They were chosen because the Swansway teams were keen to show their support for the staff in their local hospital and hospices, to ensure they knew that they were both acknowledged and appreciated. To recognise that people living in care homes have had so little interaction with the community recently. And because family support charities explain that their work has never been more needed than during the last 12 months, with so many families struggling to access food and essentials.

Swansway Group has also provided downloadable activity packs for adults and children, along with the delicious chocolate presents, as a further gift to struggling parents who may be feeling overwhelmed and increasingly isolated.

Emma Heinicke, ELHT&Me community fundraiser, said: “We really appreciate the support from the local community through the pandemic and are really grateful for all of the donations we have received that have helped make, what has been a challenging and difficult time, that little bit easier for our patients and staff and will bring smiles over the Easter period and beyond.”

Director David Smyth said of the initiative:  “As a family owned business, we are very grateful to all our customers for the support they have shown us over the years. And this is a way we can give back to these communities that have always made us so welcome. COVID-19 has put a stop to so many things, but we are determined to help where we can, so that Easter fun can still be experienced by as many people as possible.

"We all know that this year, for so many, the need for family support has never been higher. We were delighted to be able to donate these Cadbury treats, as a gift from our family to the families in need. And hopefully, if there are other businesses that are in a position to do so, they will be encouraged to do the same.”