Yule never be alone

FESTIVE gesture . . . Cameron Boland

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IT may still be summer, but a kind-hearted 20-year-old who endured several Christmases alone is already on a mission to ensure Oldham's most needy are not lonely this festive season.

Cameron Boland, who was in care from the age of nine, is to host an event to bring people together on Christmas Day.

With a group of friends, he has set up a project called Mission Christmas Oldham ­- a free-to-attend dinner party on December 25.

Their aim is to invite those who use food banks, care leavers, the elderly, homeless and those who cannot afford the expense of Christmas, to join together in a safe place.

Cameron, from Chadderton, said: "I think it shows there is somebody there for them and people in this town who genuinely care about them.

"This is about being with people and showing them they don't have to be alone."

Since it was launched two weeks ago, around 20 volunteers have rallied behind Cameron's efforts using social media to spread the word.

The group, who will be Santa's Helpers for the day, are encouraging generous residents to donate food, toys, games, their time, Christmas films or even a venue to host the celebration.

They have contacted Contour Homes and other housing associations as well as Age UK to ask for additional support.

Chadderton-based firm Buffalo uPVC is supporting the project and their buffalo mascot is set to make an appearance on the day.

Due to being well-known in the area through his work in nightclubs, teaching in schools and involvement in council-led community work, Cameron hopes that everyone will get on board.

He said: "The biggest thing is getting organisations and companies like Tesco on board and asking them to donate toys to people who would not otherwise have anything.

"Oldham is a town I really care about. There are really awful things that happen here and lots of negatives so we want to try and do something to change that.

"I grew up in care because I had difficulties with my mum. I know that people living in the care system can be lonely.

"I spent a few Christmases on my own. But one year, my mentor from Oldham Council, Neil Consterdine, took me into his home and gave me Christmas dinner at his house, which was such a nice thing to do.

"If it wasn't for him, that would have been another year on my own.

"My childhood has made me more caring for other people.

"I have come out on top but some of the young people haven't been able to pick themselves back up again.

"There are lots of people in Oldham who we should care about, people using the food banks, people in care, people who are homeless."

If you would like to help in any way, contact the group via their Facebook page, Oldhams Mission Christmas 2016, or email infomissionchristmas@gmail.com.