Fix Auto Manchester East’s Generous Community Gesture

Fix Auto Manchester East has stepped in to help financially support a key community project aimed at supporting young children and teenagers throughout the community of Oldham. 

The repairer has become a patron of Mahdlo Youth Zone, a community centre dedicated to providing help and support for youngsters aged between eight and 19 and for people with disabilities aged up to 25. The award-winning repairer, who was also a finalist in recent Oldham Business Awards, has agreed to support the community project for the next three years. 

James Gore, Managing Director for Fix Auto Manchester East, said: “We are based right in the heart of Oldham and have extremely close links throughout the community, I don’t think there’s not a single person within our business that doesn’t live here or come from the area. Mahdlo Youth Zone is a phenomenal movement that helps and supports young people from all walks of life. To be able to support it and be an official patron is an honour. 

“Myself and my brothers grew up and went to school in Oldham, as do my children, so it’s a privilege to be able to give something back to the community and to help the area prosper.” 

Mahdlo – which is Oldham spelt in reverse – Youth Zone opened in 2012 and currently has an army of 96 volunteers who provide activities and support service seven days a week. This year it is hoping to raise £1.6 million to help fund its on-going services.  

Lucy Lees, Mahdlo CEO, said: “My deepest gratitude to Fix Auto Manchester East for their generous support and commitment as a Silver Patron. Our partnership empowers us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oldham’s young people, fostering a brighter tomorrow for our community.”  

Mahdlo is currently in the midst of a fundraising campaign to support its ‘Give and Take’ initiative that funds the charity’s pledge to provide free membership and entry fees to every session for all young people until the end of March 2024, provide free hot and nourishing meals seven days a week for as long as funding allows, give access to hot showers and washing facilities all year round and be a place where young people can receive the support and guidance they need and have the opportunities and experiences to give them the best start in life.  

Michelle Gibbons, Mahdlo’s Corporate Partnerships and Engagement Fundraiser, says: “As the cost of living continues to impact on the nation, and with many families in Oldham feeling the pinch, support from the business community helps us to reduce some of the pressures our members and their families are experiencing. 

“Almost 75 per cent of Mahdlo members come from the most deprived areas of the borough, which is in the top 10 of the most deprived areas in the country, so every penny of the donations we receive is going to those who need it the most.