Three small organisations in Brent have received recognition and £1,000 for the difference they make to their communities.
Representatives from Friends of Cricklewood Library (FCL), Stonebridge Boxing Club and 1 Voice Community attended the Atul Pathak Community Awards at the House of Commons on Thursday last week.
The endorsements were given to them by Atul Pathak OBE, the managing director of the Appt Corporation, a large McDonald’s franchise.
The Stonebridge Boxing Club in Winchelsea Road, Willesden, encourages young people to live better and healthier lives as well diverting young people from gangs and gun crime.
Aamir Ali, manager of the club, said: “We were really chuffed as we need all the help we can get. We do a hard job so when it’s recognised, it’s great.”
He added: “The ceremony was really good. We got to meet the guy himself and understand the work he does for the community. It’s good that business people are making something of themselves in the community and giving something back.”
FCL members are trying to raise £120,000 for a complete interior fit out of the Cricklewood Library in Olive Road.
It was closed along with five others by Brent Council in 2011.
Sally Long, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be awarded. It’s amazing to have that kind of endorsement.
“The friends group has been going for 20 years but we have been campaigning for seven years. We are really happy they are supporting our longevity and our tenacity.”
The 1 Voice Community, in the High Road, Willesden, which provides free and practical advice to parent carers of children and young people with disabilities
in the borough also recieved
£1,000 to put towards a particular project.
Included in the award is a “partnership pledge” to give the recipients access to Appt Corporation’s management team who can offer them marketing, PR or financial advice as well the use of their local McDonald’s over the next year.
Mr Pathak said: “At Appt Corporation, we really want to encourage people to get involved and support their local community. The awards are a small way of recognising and thanking those charities who contribute so much to our local communities.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here