A COMMUNITY group based in Rhyl has helped spread Christmas cheer by generously offering presents to the children’s unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan.

“Rhyl Wings Projects” delivered two presents each to 22 children at the hospital this morning (December 9).

The group was helped by Ysgol Melyd, Meliden, who offered leftovers from the school’s car boot sale as additional gifts.

Presents given to the children, aged between 0 and 17, included deodorants, shower gels, dolls, teddy bears, and toys for infants, while every child received their own selection box of chocolates.

Steve Ridyard, of Rhyl Wings Projects, said: “We spent over £1,000 on toys. It’s just about showing a bit of kindness, really.  I'm thankful for my team.

“They (Glan Clwyd staff) said it was amazing what we had done, and that the children were really, really happy.

“All of the schoolchildren (at Ysgol Melyd) were absolutely wonderful, and the teachers were great.”

Rhyl Journal: Steve Ridyard (left) with Ysgol Melyd schoolchildren and some of their donated presents.Steve Ridyard (left) with Ysgol Melyd schoolchildren and some of their donated presents. (Image: Steve Ridyard)

Steve and the group are also co-ordinating a free Christmas Eve community event in Rhyl, which is taking place for the fourth consecutive year in 2022.

This year’s event, at Holy Trinity Church and St Thomas’ Church grounds in Rhyl, will run from 11am until 3pm on December 24, with all donations of either money or goods welcome.

Having created a sell-out risqué calendar to help raise funds for the event, Steve is hoping to gather £10,000 in donations altogether.

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Risqué calendar created to raise funds for Christmas community event in Rhyl

The Salvation Army will be in attendance to provide festive sounds, while there will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, Spider-Man, Batman, Pikachu and much more.

Santa and his elves will also be giving out free presents to children, while free hot and cold refreshments will be provided.

Donations buckets supporting the event can also be found in Rhyl’s Morrisons supermarket on Marsh Road.

Steve added: “We’re nearing the £6,000 mark for the Christmas Eve event. All of the calendars have gone now; they raised £2,000. Everything’s coming together now.

“I’m just doing what I can to help people, and try to make a few people happy over Christmas.”