WI help Greenfield charity to achieve minibus dreams

DREAMS OF buying a much-needed minibus are turning into a reality for a Greenfield charity thanks to the fundraising of the Saddleworth Women’s Institute.

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Jess Moreland, Saddleworth WI President, with Rachel, Linda, Carita and Rob from Funky Fitness and Fun

The generous WI group presented a cheque for £4,000 to Funky Fitness and Fun, which provides activities and support for people with additional needs, at their January meeting.

In return, delighted director Carita Smith handed over a card and chocolates and read out a poem written by members to show their thanks, which ended “we have an abundance of gratitude, you have fulfilled our dreams”.

The money will be spent on a minibus for the group, who are based at Boarshurst Band Club, to take members on trips and to activities across the area.

Carita added: “We are blown away. Thank you so much and this means we can finally have the bus we have needed for so long.”

Around 100 WI members and visitors were gathered at the meeting at Saddleworth Hotel as the group held their annual popular quiz to kick-start their year.

For the next 12 months they will be raising funds for Transport for Sick Children, volunteers who transport poorly children from needy families to and from hospital and appointments.

During 2014-2015 their drivers made 896 trips and transported 152 children from Oldham to hospitals locally and to Alderhey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, and specialist centres as far away as Birmingham and Newcastle.

At the WI’s next meeting on Wednesday, February 3, the guest speaker will be Bryn Hughes, father of PC Nicola Hughes who lost her life in 2012.

The Saddleworth WI meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 8pm at the Saddleworth Hotel. New members and guests are always welcome.

Donation of 50p per member and £2.50 for non-members per meeting towards running costs and refreshments.

The popular sub-groups meet regularly and include Food and Drink, Cinema and Theatre, Book Club, Singing, and Walking.

Details of events, activities, sub-groups and monthly speakers can be found online www.saddleworthwi.com or on their Facebook page.

 

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