And they have now been able to send off a fantastic 400 shoe boxes filled with toys and practical gifts, such as toothbrushes, soap and hand knitted hats and will be hand-delivered to children who need them most in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
 
“We set ourselves a target to try and fill 200 shoe boxes this year,” says funeral arranger Mark Hall, “and throughout the year, funeral arrangers, directors and pall bearers have brought in their shoe boxes.  We have ended up with quite a few over the target because other people in the community heard about what we were doing and have been really kind filling shoe boxes themselves and donating little gifts to be included.  The biggest challenge has been ensuring each box has a little hand knitted hat included, as each one takes around three hours to complete.”
 
Last year operation Christmas Child delivered over 1.2 million shoe boxes, and Rosedale say they are really proud to contribute to such a fantastic project from their businesses in Attleborough, Beccles, Bungay, Diss, Halesworth and Wymondham.
 
Next year they are planning to continue their efforts and fill more boxes, but would like to hear from any knitters who may be able to help with the knitting during the year, and also would be glad to receive empty shoe boxes or donated items to pack inside.  If you can help please contact Mark Hall on Attleborough 452538 or Anne Beckett-Allen on Diss 640810.
 
www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk
 
Pictured above are Rosedale’s Mark Hall and David Button.