Rochdale charities in bid to win a ‘Big Day Out’

Two charities from Rochdale are in the running to win a share of £5,000, to enable them to enjoy a ‘Big Day Out’ this summer, courtesy of System One Travelcards, the region’s multi-bus/multi-mode travelcard provider.

The finalists, Rochdale and District Disability Action Group, which works towards securing full and equal human and civil rights for all disabled people, and Rochdale Children Moorland Home, which provides short term holidays for children in need in the area, were shortlisted alongside other local organisations following an appeal by System One for local residents to highlight individual local community groups and charities that deserve a ‘Big Day Out’. Both will now face a public vote to determine the winner.

The second annual competition was launched in March, as a report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations revealed that small voluntary organisations were facing their toughest post-recession year yet, with 27 per cent planning to cut paid staff numbers over the coming months and many also expecting to decrease expenditure.

Gradyn Thompson, from System One Travelcards, commented: “We have received so many fantastic entries from hardworking community and charity organisations in Rochdale, which offer vital services and social activities to local residents all year round.

“It was extremely difficult to select the finalists in the competition, but we are pleased with the shortlist and feel it reflects the diverse range of community organisations that serve the needs of residents across the region.

“We would encourage the people of Rochdale to take this opportunity to celebrate these wonderful organisations and get voting for the groups that they feel most deserve a ‘Big Day Out’ this summer.”

Votes can be cast by emailing BigDayOut@tangerinepr.com, or by sending the name of the organisation via post to Lucy Naylor, Tangerine PR, Giant’s Basin, Potato Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4NB. Voting will close at midnight on Sunday 14 August.