Two local charities have been awarded a share of £25,000 from the proceeds of the latest Omaze house draw, which saw a 25-year-old contestant win a multi-million-pound Cotswold home.
Clarkson's Farm fan Anthony Martin from Cambridgeshire won the £5 million Cotswolds property – which boasts five bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a detached two-bedroom cottage ideal for guests – plus £250,000 in cash in June, taking him from backpacking in hostels to a life of luxury in the mortgage-free property.
With a commitment to 'leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where its Grand Prize houses are located', Omaze is now distributing £25,000 to local charities, with Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) and Cotswold Friends receiving £12,500 each, in addition to the £4.2 million raised for headline charity Guide Dogs.
CHYP has been helping vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25, who are facing homelessness, for almost 40 years, providing round-the-clock support and individual plans for each resident to help them work towards living independently.
It is putting its donation towards a new residential unit for 20 to 25-year-olds who require less intensive support, allowing it to dedicate its current facility to the youngest and most vulnerable residents, as well as improving staffing efficiency.
Cotswold Friends, which has been working to alleviate loneliness and isolation in elderly and vulnerable people in the community for over 45 years, is using its share of the money to supports its Community Activities Programme (CAP).
With CAP costing around £300 per person to provide, the money means that more than 40 vulnerable people in the community can attend these Community Activities for a year – with everything from lunch clubs and friendship cafes to knit and natter sessions, walking football and community singing on offer.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for North Cotswolds who introduced Omaze to both charities, said: 'Across the Cotswolds, charities and volunteers contribute so much to our community, providing support and services to those who need it most.
'The combined £25,000 donation they’re receiving will have a huge impact – keeping important services running and delivering new activities for both young and old people across the region.'
Sherry Newton from Omaze added: 'Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted we have been able to make a contribution to these two influential charities.
'I was honoured to meet representatives from both charities and hear about the incredible people they are supporting – and the teams who provide these vital community services.'
