Salford fundraiser raises money and children’s toys for those in need this Christmas

A man from Swinton is raising money and collecting toy donations for families in Salford this Christmas.

John Coffey, 52, has raised over £200,000 for various charities over the past nine years but is hoping to help the people of Salford this year amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

John said: “The main thing this time is we are fundraising for local communities for the cost-of-living crisis.
We have realised this year people are struggling with food and presents.”

John works for Quality Save, where he has been raising money alongside online donations to help provide food for the less fortunate in his community.

He has also been collecting second-hand toys for children which he plans to donate to foodbanks and charities to give out in the community.

John said: “We have raised £2100 which is going towards bags of shopping, 1000 selection boxes and bags full of toys for children.”

John plans to give anything raised to charities and foodbanks in Salford to be shared into the community.

He said his passion for fundraising means he is always raising money for one charity or another, but this Christmas decided to help people battling cost-of-living crisis.

John has previously raised money for veteran charities, Ukraine, and cancer charities.

For nine years, John has hosted between ten to 15 fundraisers a year.

His passion for fundraising began after struggling with mental health issues nine years ago.

He said: “I started doing walks for charity because I had a nervous breakdown about nine years ago.

“I had a nice wife, nice family, and a good job but I just couldn’t get my head off the pillow in the morning.

“I found that raising money and doing things for other people made me feel good and other staff like doing these things too.”

John raises money often with the help of his colleagues and family members.

One colleague has been involved in multiple fundraising events alongside John after being inspired by his dedication.

Alex Kelly, 32, said: “Straight away when I joined the company we were raising money for nurses during the pandemic.

“Anything John is willing to raise money for, there are a lot of store managers who want to get involved.”

You can donate in Salford Quality Save stores or online.