Let's cook for the kids

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 27 July 2020


Chicken wraps and bacon sandwiches will soon be back on the menu at YoLo, Youth Local Project, in Greenfield thanks to a helping hand from Saddleworth Rotary Club. 

YoLo’s project leader Helen Bishop put out a call earlier in the year for funds to replace cooking equipment and provide a new television set for the club.

And generous spirited Saddleworth Rotary were happy to help.

Helen was pleased to take delivery of some new equipment from Saddleworth Rotary President Rob Knotts and Community Service Chairman Jon Stocker, who also gave a cheque for £200 for the TV.

The facility is used by a variety of groups throughout the week.

Up to 30 juniors meet Mondays and up to 50 seniors on Fridays.

YoLo runs after school and evening sessions for the youngsters of Saddleworth at the Satellite Club.

During the sessions, for a nominal fee, participants can get a cooked meal.

Current restrictions mean the club is closed, but the hope is it will be able to reopen again in September.

Mr Stocker said: “It was great to see as Helen’s car pulled up at the centre.

"Children playing in Churchill playing fields came running over to ask when she would be opening up again.

“They then asked if they could be in the photo, which was good fun to do.”

Helen said: “We were overwhelmed to receive this generous donation from Saddleworth Rotary Club to help us continue developing this really important service for the young people of our community.

“It has been a very difficult summer for children and young people, with many missing their friends, family, routines and special occasions like leaving school.

“As a staff team, we have really missed the centre being open and buzzing with activity, and missed seeing our young members hitting their important milestones.

“Meticulous risk assessments are currently being carried out to ensure when activities can begin to be offered again.

"They are done with the safety of members of the public as top priority.

“We are looking to begin some detached outdoors work in the near future and have set up and communicated with members via our various social media forums, offering support and advice.

“This kind contribution from Saddleworth Rotary will help us to continue to provide our Saturday breakfast cafe and more equipment to entertain young people accessing the centre.”


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