Groundbreaking Eid Toy Appeal hailed a huge success

Empowering Together CIC has successfully completed its Eid Toy Appeal — ensuring 150 children in care across Oldham received an Eid gift in what is believed to be the first for children in aftercare in the country.

The community interest company dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities across Greater Manchester successfully completed its Eid Toy Appeal ahead of Eid ul-Fitr 2026 last Friday (March 20) — with all donated toys distributed to 150 children in care through a landmark cooperation with Oldham Council. 

The appeal, which called on individuals, businesses, and community organisations to donate new, unwrapped toys, has been hailed a resounding success.  

Children in care are among the most vulnerable members of any community. Many have experienced significant disruption, loss, and instability in their young lives.  

The success of the appeal has already sparked conversations about replicating the model in other local authority areas, with Empowering Together CIC expressing hope that the initiative will inspire similar collaborations across the country in years to come. 

Individuals, families, local businesses, community organisations, mosques, and schools all contributed to ensuring the appeal exceeded its targets. Toy donations were collected at drop-off points such as the Hive in Oldham. 

Iffat Parveen, Founder & Director, Empowering Together CIC, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the response to this year’s Eid Toy Appeal. To know that 150 children in care across Oldham received a gift this Eid is a moment I am incredibly proud of — and I believe we have made history.  

“This is the first for children in aftercare. It has been a community-led Eid toy appeal collaborated directly with a local authority to reach children in care, and it sends a powerful message: no child should feel invisible during a time of celebration. This is what community looks like. I want to thank every single person who donated, volunteered, and believed in this mission. You have changed lives.” 

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Lead member for children’s services, OMBC said: “Oldham Children’s Services is proud to have supported this inspiring initiative. The generosity shown by our community through the Eid Toy Appeal will make a meaningful difference to children and families. We are grateful to Empowering Together CIC and to every individual and organisation who contributed. Together, we are ensuring that no child feels forgotten during this special time of celebration.” 

Muzahid Khan MBE DL, Enterprise Director, Upturn said: “Upturn is delighted to support the Eid Toy Appeal and the establishment of new dynamic social enterprise, Empowering Together CIC, in Oldham. Social enterprises play a vital role in our town in tackling social local issues."

Following the outstanding success of this year's appeal, Empowering Together CIC has confirmed its intention to run the Eid Toy Appeal again in 2027, with ambitions to expand the reach of the Oldham Council and explore similar collaborations with other local authorities across Greater Manchester and beyond.