Housebuilder's generous gift to groups in Rothwell, Rushden and Wellingborough

Three community groups have been selected to receive funding by a housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes Midlands has made awards to Rothwell-based FC Aztec, 1st Wellingborough Girls Brigade and Rushden’s Serve charity.

The funding is from Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative which seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building.

Claire Dearsley, sales director for Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “Supporting local causes has never been more important as this year has prevented so many small charities and clubs from doing their usual fundraising activities.

"We are proud to be able to help such a variety of worthy causes.”

FC Aztec runs 26 teams from youth to adults and has recently established a walking football group for the over-45s to promote fitness and social inclusion.

Persimmon’s donation of £500 will fund match kit to enable the team to compete against other local clubs.

An award of £350 will be used by 1st Wellingborough Girls Brigade to provide its members, aged from four to 18, and leaders with craft and activity resources, allowing them to continue to meet and learn together in a safe environment.

Serve provides a range of services and activities for elderly people and adults with disabilities.

The charity is planning seated and standing yoga classes to support health and mobility throughout 2021 which would cost £4,438 to deliver.

As organisers had already raised most of this, Persimmon’s donation of £438 will make sure the project can go ahead.

Also selected to receive £500 is Living It Up, a Bedford community interest company that provides social activities for people with learning disabilities.

Claire added: “We look forward to receiving many more Community Champions applications from groups who are making a real difference to the lives of local people.”

The online application form can be found here.

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