Two colleague initiatives have brought smiles to the faces of children at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH) and people living on the streets in Manchester city centre.
Over 220 gifts have been delivered to the hospital as part of Bents' Charity of the Year initiative and a van full of coats, jumpers and blankets were taken and given out to the homeless in Piccadilly Gardens.

In November this year Children's Boutique colleague Nichola Kendrick, asked Bents colleagues and customers to help improve the stay of all those teenagers who will be spending the festive period in hospital by donating gifts to be given to them on Christmas day.

The gifts, which included board games, gift sets and 30 Bents Bears have now been delivered to the RMCH where they will be wrapped and allocated to the children.

In addition, a collection for the homeless was initiated by Bents' Fresh Approach Restaurant colleague, Caroline Emmison, having watched ITV's Tonight programme which highlighted the work carried out by Coffee 4 Craig; a charity which works with the homeless in Manchester City Centre.

Following a request by Ms Emmison, a collection of coats, jumpers, jackets and warm clothes was quickly put together and transported to the city centre by a team of 10 colleagues using Bents' vehicles and trolleys. Arriving at 6.45pm, a van full of clothing was all handed out by 9.30pm.

Said Bents Garden & Home managing director Matthew Bent: "Our customers and colleagues are always hugely generous when it comes to our charity of the year or any fundraising initiative, but both Nichola and Caroline have both gone that extra mile, encouraging others to get involved and help improve Christmas for others. We are extremely proud and would like to say a huge thank you to them and everyone who supported their campaigns."