Esther McVey MP has secured £25,000 for local charities after generous donations from Omaze.
Lymm Sanctuary Hub and the Green Room Theatre, Wilmslow each were given £12,500 as part of Omaze’s promise to help areas in nearby locations to their house prise draws.
Esther McVey was contacted and asked to put forward local charities which could use the cash.
Lymm Sanctuary Hub will use its money share to sustain three core projects over the next year: the Memory Café, which supports people living with dementia and provides vital respite for their carers; the Digital Café, which helps older residents navigate technology with confidence; and the Vantry Project, an affordable mobile food hub serving more than 150 local families.
The money given to Green Room Theatre will launch and support a new youth drama group in its first year, offering young people the chance to explore performance in a non-musical setting. The funds will also go towards upgrading its reception and communal areas so the theatre can host more local groups, installing air conditioning in the main auditorium to improve the audience experience, and strengthening links with nearby schools to provide theatre access for children who might otherwise be unable to afford transport or city-centre tickets.
Esther McVey said: “I am delighted that once again Omaze is giving money to excellent charities in our area. I know the money will be gratefully received and will be put to good use to benefit so many people.
“I’ve heard so many times from local residents about the work done at the Lymm Sanctuary Hub, which includes supporting people living with dementia, providing respite, as well as helping older people navigate technology – it is a very special place. And the money going to the Green Room Theatre, Wilmslow will fund a new youth drama group as well as upgrading some of its facilities. I look forward to visiting and hearing all about it.”
Omaze has House Draw charity partners, national organisations it regularly donates to, but the organisation also donates to the local communities where the Grand Prize Houses are located.