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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Helen Johnson

The kindhearted woman who bought Greggs meal deals for 100 homeless people this Christmas

A kindhearted Stockport woman didn't want homeless people to go hungry this Christmas - so she raised enough money to buy 100 Greggs meal deals. 

Zoe Farrell started fundraising after spotting a Facebook post which suggested buying a rough sleeper a meal deal from the bakery chain, instead of giving money.

It inspired her to want to go one better, and provide meals for many more people.

Zoe said: "I thought it was something that sounded like a good idea.

"I thought, why stop at one, let's see if I can get to 100."

Zoe fundraised more than £350 through an online page, enough to cover the costs of 100 £3.15 meal deals.

But when she went to buy the gift cards, she discovered that the minimum amount that can be put on each card is £5.

Read more of today's stories here

Zoe with Karen from Greggs (Zoe Farrell)

Staff at the Merseyway branch of Greggs were so touched by what she was doing that they rallied round to help Zoe raise an extra £100.

In the end, Zoe managed to raise £500 in just three days, allowing her to buy 100 gift cards, loaded up with £5 each.

Now she has handed the cards over to Stockport based charity the Wellspring, which supports homeless people. 

Zoe added: "The Wellspring were delighted, over the moon. I spoke to the CEO and he was really moved.

"There are so many homeless people who aren't going to eat this Christmas.

Zoe Farrell visited the Wellspring to hand over 100 Greggs gift cards, pictured with Jonathan Billings (Zoe Farrell)

"Not having a home is bad enough, but the idea that someone wouldn't eat did not sit right with me.

"I thought, if there's something I can do to help, I should, so I did.

"Greggs could not have been more helpful, especially Karen, she rallied round the staff and took the time to put the money on the cards.

"I've kept the campaign open, as it is something that would be nice to keep going."

Zoe's fundraising page is still open, and can be found here.

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