After 63 years of giving support to local people, The Halifax and District YMCA are asking for a favour in return. The group needs to raise £150,000 to carry out essential repairs to the historic Marlborough Hall building.
Marlborough Hall, on Crossley Street, has been home to some of the town’s most active community groups over the years, many of them serving the most vulnerable people in our communities. Current users include Halifax Street Angels, The Basement Project, YouthWorks, Alcoholics Anonymous, and various church and community groups. It is also the base for the annual Pantomime, the Long March and nightly roller skating sessions.
The YMCA has now launched a 12 week campaign to raise the essential funds and they’re hoping that people, businesses and organisations in the Calderdale area will rally round and save the building.
The first event being held is a ‘Ladies Day’ on March 13th. Lucky ladies can be treated to massages and beauty treatments, browse stalls and enjoy a fashion show. A photographer will be available to take photo’s of children and families that attend.
Other events include Table Top sales, business network meetings, pre-school fun-time sessions and a ‘Family Day’ on 29th May.
The campaign is running along side the launch of a new website which highlights some of the great work carried out by the YMCA, and lists the areas where funds are needed most, such as providing disabled access and updating the heating systems.
Sandra Fenton:- Manager of the Halifax YMCA, says: "The Marlborough Hall is used by around 47 thousand people each year and is home to 26 initiatives and projects, some of which help the most vulnerable in our community. We desperately need to raise this money”.
For more information visit the new website: www.ymcahalifax.org ; attend the open day on March 27th for the opportunity to tour the building and hear from some of the groups; contact Pam Jackson - 07823 338563 / pam@2020pm.com or Sandra Fenton at the YMCA - 01422 353626 / sandra.fenton@halifax.ymca.org.uk
