I AM delighted to write on behalf of all at Fortalice, Bolton Women’s Refuge, to thank everyone involved with the wrapping of Christmas presents in the Market Place during December.

Yet again, the amount raised increased to a record amount. The truly magnificent sum of £6,770 was donated by generous members of the public in return for having their Christmas presents beautifully wrapped and decorated with bows and ribbons. For over 20 years, Gene Spurr’s magnificent team of around 130 volunteers wrapped presents daily during December until the shops closed on Christmas Eve. We are very grateful to all the volunteers and to our loyal supporters who come every year for this service.

Thank you to the owners of the Market Place, who have kindly allowed us to continue to set up our stall as we have done for the past 20 years and supported us by supplying the wrapping paper; to the shopping public of Bolton who continue to support us year after year; to Gene for organising and encouraging our efforts and not least to all the volunteers who wrap so expertly.

Fortalice needs the contributions of the public in order to survive and continue with the ever necessary work of providing a refuge for those who flee domestic violence. We are not immune to the effects of the recession and have to find ever resourceful ways of funding our important work. If any of your readers feel able to help in any way – by financial donation, volunteering time or even joining next year’s wrappers – please feel free to call Gill Smallwood on 701846 or Gill.Smallwood@fortalice.co.uk

Diane Hawkins

Chairman

Fortalice Ltd