Cash boost for awards campaign

CHEQUE mates . . . (from left) Rukhsana Nabi, John Porter, Steve Yorke and Clive Newton

BUILDING contractor Emanuel Whittaker, one of the first partners to donate to the Respect Our Community Awards scheme run by First Choice Homes Oldham, has kick-started the new campaign with a cheque for £5,000.

The initiative has been running for nearly four years and has supported local projects across the borough.

Sponsors and recipients will be present when the 2011 awards are officially launched at the Chadderton Suite in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on Thursday, June 30.

Steve Yorke, director of management and operations at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “This has been a highly successful scheme — it is unique in that public and private organisations work together to support local people to improve their neighbourhoods.”
The scheme is on course for another year with FCHO, now a registered social landlord following a vote for tenants, increasing its donation as part of its stock transfer promise.

The hope is that private sector partners will respond in the same way as Emanuel Whittaker, says solicitor John Porter, a partner at Wrigley Claydon.

Mr Yorke added: “At this time where money is short it is really important we all get together to create opportunities to empower local people.”

To increase the involvement of partners the celebration planned for June is open to any business or voluntary organisation who can make a contribution.

Since its inception, ROCA has supported 62 projects to the tune of £177,802.

During 2010, the Oldham Friendship Club received £978 to build on the existing relationship with youths from Holts Village YIP, bringing together different age groups and communities.

From Cowhill to Crossley received £875 and involved Crossley Estate residents in Chadderton creating a record of the social history of the area since 1970.

Kultura, a Filipino Association, has been given £2,500 to promote its culture and heritage through dance and music presentations at various events in Oldham. Life Story workshops by a practical approach received £1,329.20 to provide group training sessions for participants wanting to start their own or another person’s life story.