One World, One Rochdale

Louise Livesey, Learner Participation Officer at Hopwood Hall College presented a cheque to Iain and Margaret Wight from Rochdale Foodbank

Hopwood Hall College recently held a week of activities to celebrate diversity globally and locally.

The idea stemmed from a national initiative called One World Week and involved activities for students at both its Rochdale and Middleton campuses.

These included: fairs at each campus with stalls run by local businesses and organisations, a play by Pink Triangle and discussions with organisations such as Young Minds, dealing with mental health issues for young people.

A local company called Out of Africa is a regular stall holder. Bernie Slater, the proprietor, sells jewellery made by sole traders in Africa who are mainly women with children. She donates a percentage of her profits taken on the day to a charity chosen by the students; this year, they chose Rochdale Foodbank.

Foodbanks serve a vital role in the community; every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Trussell Trust foodbanks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK.

The amount raised for the Rochdale Foodbank, which opened its doors last July, was £45.60 and Louise Livesey, Learner Participation Officer at Hopwood Hall College presented a cheque last Thursday to Iain and Margaret Wight from Rochdale Foodbank.