Let me start by wishing you all a happy summer. Hopefully everybody is relishing the weather, feeling the relief of a reduction in our utility bills, and enjoying spending some quality time with the kids – though I’ve heard it said, you can get too much of a good thing! However, the mortgage rate hike, bonkers food costs and exorbitant holiday prices, might have dampened the usual relaxed summer vibe. Understandably, being financially stretched means that giving to charity is not high on everyone’s agenda at the moment, but there are still a lot of different ways to support local causes and community ventures.
Perhaps, our interview with Imelda and Mani Mounfield (page 31) will inspire you to donate to Maggie’s, the fantastic charity they are supporting. Just spreading the word about the free resources Maggie’s offers could be invaluable to someone. Of course if you are feeling flush, you could bid on one of the extraordinary memorabilia items that the couple have gathered for auction. Alternatively, a small, regular donation to Mustard Tree (page 37) can make a huge difference to people’s lives. The charity also takes donations of quality furniture and goods. Furniture can also be donated to the Furniture Recycling Project (page 43) too – far better that unwanted items going to landfill.
Another way that you can ‘do your bit’ is by suggesting some local causes for The Vernon Building Society Community Stars fund (page 29). Over the last decade, the Vernon has given funds to over 100 Stockport organisations. So get your thinking caps on and start nominating some Heatons and Reddish causes.
Of course, this being MOOR, you know that I can’t help but mention another easy way to support your local community, which is to ‘shop local’ and help keep our traders, retailers and local businesses as healthy as possible.
Right, that’s the serious stuff over and done with. Time to browse through our history feature about local pubs (page 21) and decide where I’m heading for a summer drink…..all in the cause of supporting a local business of course!
Melissa (Editor) & all the team at Moor!