Boost of £55,000 to groups

TAKING action . . . (from left) Sir Norman Stoller, Steve Lowe and Clare Taylor (Action Oldham)

FANTASTIC projects in Oldham are celebrating after a £55,000 donation from the Stoller Charitable Trust to the Action Oldham Fund.

The Action Oldham Fund was set up to bring together businesses organisations and individuals gifting skills, time and money to change local lives and the money will be used to benefit various good causes in Oldham.

Sir Norman Stoller, of the Stoller Charitble Trust, said: "It is my pleasure on behalf of the Stoller Charitable Trust, to offer this donation to some of the smaller community and voluntary groups in the borough.

"Many of these organisations are run by the tireless efforts of volunteers who give their free time week after week to see local lives changes, and who are tackling really difficult issues.

"I see this gift as in investment into the fabric of the town.

"I am also excited to see the difference the gift will make and hope this will inspire other local businesses to give to local charitable groups who understand and embrace the interests, values, and needs of the community and are given the responsibility of ensuring these needs are met."

Among the groups to benefit, Elsie Hargreaves and John Atree, from St George's Over-60s Club in Chadderton, received almost £10,000 towards the modernisation of their community building.

Other projects included the development of a new pocket park, a project giving people confidence and skills they need to survive life on a low income and a drop-in and counselling service for young people aged 10-25 focussing on domestic abuse and related issues.

Clare Taylor, fund development co-ordinator at Action Oldham Fund, said: "We are thrilled to receive such a significant contribution.

"The funds relies on the generosity of local individuals and businesses to support charitable work in the borough."