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Bucketloads of support for appeal

10/12/2004

THE whole borough is rallying behind the Advertiser's 'Bring £1 to Work Day' with kind-hearted businesses, organisations, schools and individuals pledging support.

Oldham Athletic are not only holding a 'Bring a £1 Day' on Friday but also held a special bucket collection outside Boundary Park ahead of Tuesday's home match against Chesterfield.

Oldham Community Leisure held its collection early and also organised a special sponsored line dancing event at Oldham Sports Centre, raising a total of £307.

Another line dancing group, Mike's Oldham Renegades, are holding a similar event today at Chadderton Town Hall.

Over at the Yorkshire Street branch of Bradford and Bingley, manager Mark Conti got on an exercise bike to pedal the equivalent distance to head office and back for our appeal. Customers were also asked to donate "odd pence" from their accounts and, with the company also agreeing to match the money raised, staff have already raised about £500.

Punters at Mecca Bingo Hall on King Street will also be doing their bit on the big day by pledging a pound as they cross their lines.

Geoff Baxter said: "This seemed an ideal opportunity for the appeal. Obviously we have a lot more customers than staff so we hope to raise a decent sum."

Ribble Packaging, of Green-gate Street, are one of latest local firms to hold a collection thanks to organisers Stuart Bland and Pat Mulholland.

Stuart said: "This is a great chance to help your local hospice and it something that is beneficial for all the community."

Meanwhile, Delph's new Indian restaurant The Bay Leaf threw a free invitation-only opening night for our appeal, asking diners for donations.

The venue is the first restaurant venture for IT consultant Mohammed Swapan and accountant Abdul Shahid, though they both have catering experience.

Mohammed said: "We wanted to provide a high-quality modern restaurant in the right location for Saddleworth. The centre of Delph is a perfect setting for the Bay Leaf. It seemed exactly the right thing to use our opening night celebration to raise funds for such a worthy local cause as supporting Dr Kershaw's Hospice."

That event, plus the 'Bring a Pound' collection, is expected to raise about £200. The restaurant can be contacted on 01457 877999.

Published 9 December 2004