2022 Wrap-up
Our Head of Strategic Development, Fran, reflects on 2022. We've done a lot this year and cannot wait for 2023.
It’s been just over a month since I joined Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, and what a month! A DJ Battle, a 24 hour race against homelessness, and announcing a surprise new edition of Raise the Roof have really given a boost to our fundraising and the winter campaign. This all comes hard on the heels of a huge among of work and commitment from a dedicated team of people all uniting behind our view that homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester.
2022 has been a challenging fundraising year, and one of change for GMMC. As two members of the staff team moved onto pastures new, Tom Allanson readily stepped up and has been driving our work forward. I’m sure all will stand alongside myself in applauding everything he has achieved this year. Supporting Tom has been an active and committed Board, and we’re delighted to have welcomed a new set of trustees in 2022, including two as their first Board appointment. Our Ambassador program continues to flourish with a dynamic group of professionals across the region sharing their expertise, networks and ideas to help push forward our work. We look forward to growing the Ambassador network in 2023 and building a new programme of activities for those involved.
Despite the challenges of the last 12 months, there is lots to celebrate. Earlier this year, we committed £300k to A Bed Every Night, providing emergency accommodation, food, and wrap around support to those who otherwise face a night on the streets. Beyond our commitment to ABEN, we have been able to support a new post at the Greater Manchester Homelessness Network and committed funding to the exciting new project Embassy Village. We look forward to sharing some more of our wider grantmaking activity in the new year, with hopes to expand our grantmaking capacity as we grow our public and corporate supporter base.
We launched our Winter Campaign earlier this month, benefitting from the support of Fuzzy Duck, Mount Digital and Adam Richardson in maximizing the reach and impact of our messaging. This campaign builds off the incredible boost from the students and runners at University of Manchester’s RunWild’s 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness. Entering its 4th year, the students and all involved raised an incredible £12,694.50.
Just a few weeks later, some of you will have enjoyed a musical night like no other as our very own Andy Burnham hit the decks battling against his Merseyside counterpart Steve Rotheram. Rowetta, The Farm, Clint Boon and Stanley Chow were just some of the names to take the stage, and our sincere thanks go to the many behind the scenes who worked to make it happen. In particular, Katie and colleagues at Elevate, Sacha, Jon, Louise and all at The Warehouse Project, Colin and his team at Badger & Coombes, and Rachel Chesters were instrumental to the event’s success. We’re excited about the calendar of events we are planning for 2023, kicked off by a return of Raise the Roof in a special edition with Liam Fray.
As well as these events, we are grateful to the many businesses across the region, big and small, who have donated to our work. We were also excited to secure our first matched funder for the Winter Campaign through Together, and continue to be thankful to our lead supporters SUEZ and JC Decaux. We’re looking forward to building more partnerships in the year to come. Look out for details about our exciting new corporate sponsorship opportunities in Spring 2023. Beyond corporate giving, so many individuals supported us over the year. Colleagues at FACT3 raised funds competing in a triathlon, with some of their members also joining the 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness and Peloton raised funds on a multi-day trek. Manchester Baroque raised over £1500 performing the majestic Handel’s Messiah, and the Institute of Civil Engineers raised money carolling. Diners across Manchester are supporting us this month through StreetSmart’s campaign, with the voluntary addition of just £1 to their meal at participating restaurants. Whether sports, music, or dining, there is lots to choose from! If that spiked your interest, do get in touch to talk more about how you might get involved fundraising for the GMMC!
As the festive period is upon us, many are feeling the bite of the cost of living crisis gripping the country. For some, the burden is heavier and the risk or reality of homelessness looms large. We will come back fighting in 2023, with a new program of fundraising events, ideas to expand our grantmaking, and grow in outreach, education and engagement. Homelessness really does have no place in Greater Manchester.
However you choose to spend it, have a relaxing festive period and a very happy new year. We look forward to seeing you in 2023.
Yours,
Fran Darlington-Pollock
Head of Strategic Development, GMMC
Donate today and know that your money will help tackle homelessness across our city-region for a fairer and more sustainable future.