A TOWN youth charity was the recipient of the £1billionth donation from one of the UK’s largest charitable funders
Ourside Youth Association will receive a grant of £70,000 over the next three years from the Garfield Weston Foundation after charity chiefs were attracted to the cause as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.
More than 40,000 individual grants totalling more than £1billion pounds have been handed out by charity chiefs since the foundation was formed in 1958.
Foundation chiefs were attracted to Ourside Youth Association because it was set-up by a group of teenagers and its services continue to be run by young people, for young people.
Director Philippa Charles, said: “Ourside really shows that when young people are determined they can achieve amazing things and make a real difference in our community. We love that after ten years teenagers are still making the decisions at Ourside and it’s thriving as a result.
“We know that this donation will enable them to reach many more young people and have a real impact both today and in the future. We couldn’t think of a better charity to receive our £1billionth donation in our 60th Anniversary Year. ”
“Ourside Youth Association founder, Carly Elwell, said: “The day we received the news from the Garfield Weston Foundation was a very emotional one for us, there were definitely tears of joy.
“Having funding to support core costs gives us, and our staff members, an incredible feeling of security knowing that we don’t have to worry for the near future and can concentrate on delivering exceptional services for young people.
“Garfield Weston listened to what we needed and are supporting us to grow into the charity we would like to be.
“Being selected for the £1billionth grant has given us a huge boost in confidence and we are determined to achieve our goal of becoming the main hub for young people in this area, offering a variety of advice and youth services.”
The centre runs all kinds of activities including a girls sports club, a community café as well as providing access to sexual health and mental health support
