Manchester Arndale Donation to Bideford Community Centre
Volunteers from Bideford Community Centre in Baguley, Wythenshawe were recently presented with branded t-shirts from Manchester Arndale following a promise made to Kirsty Taylor, award winning volunteer and Chair of Bideford Community Centre.
Manchester Arndale sponsors the ‘Unsung Hero’ category at the Manchester City Council ‘Be Proud Awards’ Award, at which Kirsty was the winner at the end of last year. Manchester Arndale Centre Director, David Allinson, was so impressed by her story and the fantastic work done by local volunteers at the Bideford Centre that he contacted Kirsty after the event to organise the donation of branded t-shirts for the Centre’s Real Neighbour volunteers.
The Real Neighbours Volunteering Scheme is a project from Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s Community Investment team and is part of WCHG’s committed to empowering local people. Nigel Wilson, Group Chief Executive said; “WCHG’s Real Neighbours Team support local volunteers to deliver projects and help meet local need for local people. The Bideford Centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved by working in partnership with local communities.”
The centre is well-used by local people and a regular hub of social events for all ages. Volunteers provide a whole range of activities – from bingo sessions, toddler groups and social events, to the recent addition of the ‘Bideford Boutique’ clothing bank.
Kirsty said; “I was very extremely honoured to receive the Unsung Hero ‘Be Proud’ Award and was delighted when Manchester Arndale promised to help. Our volunteers love their new t-shirts – it gives them a real sense of community and pride and they would like say a big thank you for the kind donation!”
