Mahdlo welcomes pledge to double £25k fundraising target

A campaign to raise £25,000 by Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham to help its members and their families through the cost-of-living crisis could see the total double thanks to a match-funding pledge from two businesses with close connections to the town and the charity.

National placemaker Muse, which is currently working with Oldham Council on town centre regeneration and offering working placements to Oldham College students, is joining forces with seventh generation, family-owned brewers JW Lees, to match all donations to Mahdlo’s ‘Give and Take’ campaign supporting young people and their families this winter and beyond.

Mahdlo is aiming to hit a £25,000 fundraising target by the end of March, with both firms pledging to boost the total to £50,000.

While anyone can give to the initiative, youth zone members and their families can take what they need from Mahdlo’s pledges to:

* Provide free membership and entry fees to every session for all young people until the end of March 2024.

* Provide free hot and nourishing meals seven days a week for as long as funding allows.

* Give access to hot showers and washing facilities all year round.

* Be a place where young people can receive the support and guidance they need and have the opportunities and experiences to give them the best start in life.

Claire Crossfield, Mahdlo’s Fundraising Manager, said: “We can’t say thank you enough to Muse and JW Lees for match funding all our ‘Give and Take’ donations.

“As the cost of living continues to impact on the nation, and with many families in Oldham feeling the pinch, the businesses are helping to reduce some of the pressures our members and their families are experiencing.

“Almost 75% of Mahdlo members come from the most deprived areas of the borough, which is in the top 10% of the most deprived areas in the country, so every penny of the donations we receive is going to those who need it the most.”

Since September 2023, Mahdlo Youth Zone has hosted more than 12,600 visits, provided more than 5,300 free hot meals, experienced a 40% increase in attendance at Family Zone sessions, and delivered 80-plus hours of provision every week with 20-plus activities ranging from sports to the arts every session.

Both firms share close links to the charity and the town.

JW Lees MD, William Lees-Jones, is Mahdlo’s first ever chairman, while Muse MD, Phil Mayall, is Oldham-born and bred and began his construction career renovating a house in Saddleworth.

Max Bentham, Development Director at Muse, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support Mahdlo Youth Zone and the wider Oldham community.

"This campaign will play a vital role in supporting local residents and we’re proud to play our part.”

Mahdlo Youth Zone first opened in 2012 and is dedicated to young people from all over Oldham aged 8 to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with a disability.

It employs 54 full- and part-time staff and is supported by an additional 96 volunteers.

The Egerton Street centre is open seven days a week and provides an array of activities and services in support of young people, with more sessions spread across the whole borough.

Last year it raised more than £1.4 million to support its funding and is aiming for £1.6 million this year as it aspires to reach approximately 3,600 young people across the borough.

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