We are proud to say that we’ve been a patron of MAHDLO Youth Zone for a number of years now. MAHDLO is a registered charity dedicated to young people in Oldham aged 8 to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with a disability. Driven by the desire to enable opportunity for all, their core belief is that no one should be in the position of saying: “I wish I’d had the chance to do that”.
They’re committed to delivering exceptional youth work and the possibilities are endless, from dunking hoops to dropping beats, climbing walls to cooking meals, performing arts to nail art. And so far, more than 30,000 young people have signed up to become members!
The charity is funded entirely through donations from various sources and one of the most significant is the annual Michael Josephson MBE Ball. Stars of stage and screen recently united at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate with a headline performance from chart-topping star Sophie Ellis-Bextor!
The Ball has raised a massive £2 million for children’s charities over the past five years, one of which is MAHDLO. Philanthropist Michael created the ball as he is determined to help disadvantaged young people after overcoming adversity and a traumatic childhood himself.
Over 400 people attended the event including Bryan Robson, Paul Scholes, Ricky Hatton and the ever-popular Malones from Gogglebox. And unbelievably, a jaw-dropping amount of over £1million was raised on the night! Previous attendees have included Joan Collins, Heather Small, and Stephanie Beacham.
Internationally acclaimed artist Mr Brainwash became involved with the fundraiser in 2022 when one of his pieces fetched an eye-watering £100,000 at auction on the night. Inspired by the event and the force for good behind it, this year he created a bespoke piece to auction off which contributed significantly to this year’s record total.
Our MD, Tony Morris says: “We’re passionate about supporting local causes and MAHDLO is close to our heart. As a patron, it’s fantastic to see the kind of support the Youth Zone is receiving from the Ball. We’re also thrilled that MAHDLO included us in the short film they showed on the night, sharing their work, and highlighting their supporters and fundraising. It’s just a delight, and so rewarding to be part of something so transformative, encouraging and inspirational. For some MAHDLO members, it has literally opened doors and provided opportunities they could never have dreamed of. I can’t think of a greater legacy.”
Sarah Morris, our Operations Director says: “Supporting MAHDLO is one of the most rewarding things we’ve done. Obviously, we’re an Oldham-based company, so seeing the very real and tangible difference it makes to young people’s lives is just a joy. It’s not just their lives that are lifted and more fulfilled, though. There’s the knock on effect to their families, which means the wider community benefits, making Oldham an even more rewarding place to live and work.”
Take a look at the MAHDLO film showcasing their work, here.
Should anyone want to make a donation to MAHDLO, and help build opportunities for the next generation of young people in Oldham, you can do so here.