Appeal for groups to make the most of support fund

Rochdale Exchange Manager, Lorenzo O’Reilly

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Manager of Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, is calling on local charities and community groups to come forward with projects which they are fundraising for to benefit people in their neighbourhood.

The aim is for the shopping centre to support their drive for cash by match funding the amount they are able to raise themselves, giving them a boost towards their final total.

Lorenzo, who has been in charge at Rochdale Exchange for 14 years, said: “We are asking local groups in Rochdale who benefit the community in some way to come forward and pitch for match funding which could provide them with some vital cash for something really important to them.

“It could be a mini bus fund for a local dance troop or maybe some gardening equipment for a school club.

“It could be a new pool table for a youth club or some art and craft equipment for a pensioners’ group which meets regularly to stop older people feeling isolated and lonely.

“We are open to suggestions and the main criteria is that people need to show us how they are fundraising and how much they are aiming to raise.

“With the projects which we think we can support, we will match-fund their fundraising total, so as an example, £500 becomes £1,000, until all the money in our £5,000 pot has gone.”

Anyone who is interested in making a bid for a share of the £5,000 should send a brief description of their organisation, what they are raising money for and how much they are looking to achieve. Also daytime contact details including a phone number. Bid descriptions should be sent to nicole.przewozniak@eu.jll.com