GENEROUS shoppers have helped the Altrincham Rotary Club smash their fundraising targets – affording lifesaving equipment for the town centre and underprivileged families a happy New Year.

The club had a challenge to raise money for two new defibrillators for Altrincham town centre, as well as collecting over 2,000 toys and tins for the Salvation Army Toy Appeal over Christmas.

Thanks to thoughtful residents and generous shops, they managed to deliver toys to more than 800 children, as well as giving food parcels to more than 450 families.

Altrincham Rotary president, Brendan Bates, was on hand to award certificates to staff at stores which helped the appeal with collections.

“We’re pleased that the targets were met and we’re very grateful to all those who gave time, money, toys and tins to help reach these targets,” he said.

More than £1,000 was raised for two new defibrillators. The lifesaving devices, which restart the heart in the event of cardiac arrest, will be placed at two locations to be announced.

They add to the two machines Altrincham Rotary raised funds for last year, located at The Cresta Court Hotel and Tesco in Altrincham.

Collections at Sainsburys, ASDA Living Broadheath and Art with a Heart in George Street, Altrincham, helped the Rotary achieve their 2014 targets.

Other toys and food tin donation points were hosted by Altrincham Forward, Ashbrooks Furniture in Sale , Bocadillo, Luxistore and Sausolito café in Timperley, Franchise development in Broadheath, TSB Altrincham and Hale Prep mums.

The Altrincham Rotary Club is already gearing up for this year’s challenge, due to bring even more festive cheer to the Trafford community.