An Oldham youth charity has received backing from a borough business to help people in the borough affected by the cost-of-living crisis by selling unique Christmas decorations.
Mahdlo Youth Zone has felt compelled to launch an ambitious £10,000 fundraising campaign to help support young people and families adversely affected by the cost-of-living crisis in the borough.
The charity is pledging to provide a free or subsidised hot meal for everyone attending one of its junior, senior, girls and family sessions until March 2023 while items in its cafe will also cost no more than £1 for visitors.
It has also increased the availability of its clothes and school uniform bank.
Now, however, the charity's ambition is further supported by Hill's Panel Products (HPP) Ltd, based on Scottfield Road in Oldham, which manufactures and supplies furniture for kitchens and bedrooms.
HPP is creating an array of festive decorations for Mahdlo Youth Zone's Christmas tree which will be decorated by the youngsters and sold to fund its cost-of-living project.
The decorations will be sold at prices ranging from £10 to £150 to local businesses and individuals and will come with a personalised message of support and a 'thank you' memento after the festive season.
In its breakdown of costs, the charity said £10 could subsidise 10 hot meals, £25 could provide 125 hot soups and roll for a young person in one session per week, £50 could provide 50 gifts for Santa's grotto at its Christmas fair and £100 could keep the charity's doors open for somewhere "warm and fun".
Meanwhile, £150 could fund two youth workers per session, providing young people with someone to talk to.
HPP's marketing and business development director, Dan Mounsey, said: "We are one of the founding patrons of Mahdlo Youth Zone, so we were delighted to help when they approached us to make the Christmas decorations.
"You cannot fail to be impressed by the important work Mahdlo does for young people and families in all corners of Oldham and we look forward to supporting them again in the future where we can.”
Mahdlo Youth Zone CEO, Lucy Lees, added: “A huge thank you to HPP for supporting this campaign.
"We’re here for everyone in Oldham providing cost-effective activities and a warm place for children and young people across the borough, so they’re less affected by the increased cost of living.”
The charity is kick-starting its festive season with Jingle Mingle on Monday, November 28, which will be free to attend and will offer mince pies, mulled wine and a raffle.
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