Charities benefit from funds raised by ex-mayor
EIGHT charities have received cheques for funds raised during Councillor Aasim Rashid’s mayoral year.
Donations were made on Monday, June 20 to Springhill Hospice, Petrus, Parkinson’s UK, Castlemere Community Centre, Rochdale Veterans’ Breakfast Club, Rochdale Shopmobility, Rochdale Heartbeat and Jolly Josh.
Councillor Rashid was joined by his wife, former mayoress Rifit Rashid and his daughter Aiza Rashid to present the cheques.
The borough’s 150th mayor said: “It was wonderful to work with all of the charities as mayor despite the difficulties with the pandemic.
“It was an honour and a privilege to serve as mayor and I am glad to have left the role on a high note.
“The charities have really worked with me as a team and I will continue to work with these charities who are doing a wonderful job.
“My favourite part of being mayor was working on bringing communities together and interfaith work in the diverse town.”
Castleton-based charity Jolly Josh received £2,500 to help with their general running costs.
Sarah Ford, the centre manager, said: “This is a massive amount to help us and it is not just about the money. The mayor has visited us and knows how we work and what we use the money for.
“The funds mean we can continue to provide stay and play sessions for children with complex medical needs and this is massively important since we are the only one in the borough that offers this.”
Castlemere Community Centre on Tweedale Street were granted a cheque of £1,500 which they will use to expand on the services they deliver and to kickstart a social men’s group similar to the women’s group they already have running.
Project co-ordinator, Hafiz Abdul Malik, said: “The former mayor has made a fantastic effort considering the challenges faced during the pandemic and despite this he achieved a lot.
“We really appreciate the assistance and want to say a big thank you to the mayor and his team for the support they have given to the centre.”
The Labour councillor had to wait an extra year to become mayor, as his predecessor, fellow Castleton ward councillor Billy Sheerin, served an extended term due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite many of mayoral fundraising events being cancelled, Councillor Rashid raised £14,000 in his year and attended more than 500 events.