Funded through Calderdale Council’s Economic Task Fund, the 2016 Christmas Cracker Scheme delivered Christmas treats to residents in the North Halifax wards of Ovenden, Illingworth and Mixenden.

The scheme saw Christmas crackers distributed to various local community groups across North Halifax to raffle off as prizes at their Christmas events. Each cracker was accompanied by a voucher to the value of £20 which can be spent at a local store and some offered membership to local community groups such as Men in Sheds at Threeways and Men United at Ovenden Park.

Crackers were also raffled off at Ovenden, Illingworth and Mixenden Ward Forums where residents and local services got together to enjoy Christmas Carols.

Attendees of the North Halifax Work Support Groups also enjoyed festive celebrations with light refreshments and each received a cracker with voucher to spend at a store local to them.

FORGET me Not Trust raised raised £757.07 on the day held at Morrison’s

Karen Scanlon, Ovenden Initiative said

“This is a wonderful seasonal scheme in its 2^nd year helping all the wards to benefit, including Community Groups, Schools and Voluntary Organisations in the Ovenden,  Illingworth and Mixenden Wards of North Halifax with a boost in trade for the three areas funded through Calderdale Council’s Economic Task Fund.”

A big thank you to all who got involved with the Christmas Cracker Scheme this year; businesses, community groups and local residents who make ideas such as these worth it!