ORGANISATIONS in Bicester have been granted money to help them continue to bring positive change to the lives of local people.
Following last year's Make a Difference programme by Bicester Village, which has helped more than 12 charities and community interest groups, the designer outlet has announced this year’s successful charities.
Some of them that will benefit from the award are cancer support charity, The Hummingbird Centre, Bicester Baby Bank, community group Forget Me Not and Launton Over 60s Club.
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To complement its campaign, Bicester Village hosted a special champagne reception to bring together all of the successful applicants to the fund which was increased to £35,000 this year.
Any group with projects that enhance the Bicester community is eligible to enter with the minimum award that an organisation can receive being £500 and the maximum £4,000.
Judges were looking for projects that add value and create the potential for continued growth and future benefit for others in the town's community.
They looked for groups that fit with the themes of living well, combatting loneliness and reaching across the age divide.
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Miranda Markham, communications manager at Bicester Village, said: “We run the bid in addition to our normal community relations programme as it allows us to identify and support local organisations that might not normally qualify for grants or public funding but which can make a genuine difference.
"We had a wonderful evening and the charities loved meeting each other. It was so uplifting to see the amazing work which is going on all around us and important to shine a light on these individuals who really do make a difference."
The money awarded will be used to help organisations carry out projects and provide vital resources.
Heyford and Bicester Veterans will use the fund to create a veterans tranquil garden while Bicester Green will purchase woodworking equipment to teach more workshops.
The funds will help Grassroots Bicester launch its Plant a School orchard project.
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