Eight charities successfully bid for funding in Dragons' Den competition

Charities were successful in their pitches for funding from Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club’s annual Dragons' Den. 

Money for the event was gathered during the festive period when Rotarians volunteered their time touring the area with the Santa float.  

Eight shortlisted charities were invited to join club members at a celebration evening at Stamford Golf Club on Thursday, March 21 and give a short presentation on their project to the Rotary Dragons – new member John Gwyther, Steph Fitton and George Hawkins. 

After a short interlude to deliberate, the Dragons returned and club president Martin Daglish announced their donating decisions with all groups receiving £350. The charities were:

• Akeru Aikido – Self-defence classes for children with additional needs based at Stalybridge’s Academy HQ. Funds will be used to purchase uniform for the participants. 

• Wings of Hope – The ladies’ support group meets monthly at the Seraphina Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne. Funds will be used to help produce leaflets and provide comfort keepsakes for group members. 

• Mossley Hollins High School – Students participating in the Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary leadership management course have set up a project to support the ‘hidden’ homeless in Tameside. Funds will be used to create support packages. 

• Friends of Mossley Park – A volunteer group that helps to maintain the upkeep of Mossley Park. Funds will be used to purchase more hand tools. 

• Dukinfield Craft Club – A small group supporting families in Dukinfield. Funds will be used to purchase materials for future groups.  

• Incredible Edibles Mossley – A community garden that produces fruit and vegetables – involving local schoolchildren. Funds will be used to purchase tools. 

• Heyrod Whit Friday Brass Band Contest – A volunteer-run event steeped in tradition. Funds will be used to pay for the adjudicator. 

• 4th and Sofa – A mental health support group based in Dukinfield. Members gather to play football and provide a safe space for positive conversations. Funds will be used to purchase equipment.   

Martin said: “It’s great to have applications from such a diverse range of local charities and to be able to put our Rotary funds to good use right across the community. 

“This event helps to shed a light on the valuable work that volunteers do in our communities. 

“Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club is proud to support their work with our donations.”