We are proud and pleased to support two great organisations making big differences to countless lives in Oldham and beyond.
Following appeals for help, we have donated materials to Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre (OBPDC) and Mahdlo Youth Zone, both registered charities, to help bring two ambitious projects to fruition.
The first is at OBPDC, which unveiled its £550,000 refurbished gym earlier after more than three years of hard work and fundraising that has transformed its base at Victoria House on Greaves Street.
In addition to roof and ceiling repairs, work was needed throughout the interior, and we were delighted to supply cabinets, hinges, doors and worktops to help with their project and bring their kitchen together inside the boxing centre.
OBPDC, the town's only England Boxing affiliated club, has been a conveyor belt for producing champions and Team GB representatives throughout its 20-year history.
It is also a community hub, empowering people of all ages through coaching, mentorship and outreach.
Head Coach Eric Noi says: "We support individuals from all walks of life, including those facing social, economic and personal challenges, providing a safe and supportive space where discipline, resilience and confidence can grow."
Our Marketing Manager, Kenika Gumbs and Marketing & Business Development Director, Dan Mounsey, visited the gym when the club held an open day to shine a light on the finished project and its plans for the future.
The event was a poignant occasion featuring a tribute to former world champion Ricky Hatton, who died in September, and who was a fervent OBPDC supporter, having given his help to the refurbishment project.
Kenika says: "There was a speech about Ricky Hatton, and his photo is displayed at the Boxing Centre.
"During the event, three boxers shared their personal stories. One of them spoke about his time in prison, expressing how the boxing centre provided him with a second chance when no one else would. He described the centre as a family and a home for him, highlighting its diversity.
"It was a brilliant launch with a lot of heartfelt moments and very inspiring stories. Eric is doing something truly amazing here for the community and not just Oldham, but across Greater Manchester.
"We are thrilled to have been part of this incredible transformation. It's inspiring to see how much passion and dedication go into making a positive impact in our community. We believe in the power of sport to change lives, and initiatives like this are proof of that."
It's been a busy time for Kenika, who along with IT Director Andy Evans and Head of Technical Mark Smith, visited Mahdlo Youth Zone in the town centre to see its brand-new, dedicated state-of-the-art gaming zone, for which we were delighted to provide the materials to craft it.
Mahdlo has introduced the gaming area, complete with four TV screens, a PlayStation 5, Xbox One Series S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii, following feedback from members as a way of giving young people more choice in how they relax and make the most of their time.
"We're proud to support Mahdlo because we believe in the incredible impact they make within the Oldham community - especially with young people," says Kenika. "It was amazing to see what's been created and its given the young people another option to all the activities that go on there.
"Mahdlo's commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces where youth can grow, explore, and thrive aligns perfectly with our values.
"Providing materials for the gaming zone was our way of helping to bring that vision to life. We see it not just as a contribution, but as an investment in the future of our community.
"Projects like this go far beyond board and doors - they represent hope, opportunity and connection for so many. We're honoured to play a part in helping Mahdlo continue their vital work in shaping brighter futures."
Mahdlo Youth Zone first opened in 2012 and is dedicated to young people from all over Oldham aged 8 to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with a disability. Its mission is to provide opportunities for young people to be the very best they can be through a huge range of activities.
It is open seven days a week and provides an array of activities and services in support of young people, with more sessions spread across the whole borough.
Last year, Mahdlo raised more than £1.6 million to support its funding and is aiming for £1.9 million this year as it aspires to reach approximately 4,000 young people across the borough.