Calderdale-based community charity reaches milestone anniversary and reveals plans for community-wide celebrations
Halifax, West Yorkshire (17.04.2023): Local charity, Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT), is celebrating ‘creating opportunities for 21 years’ on 17th April 2023 and invites communities throughout Calderdale to get involved.
This significant milestone gives HOT the opportunity to reflect on its accomplishments, growth and impact over the past 21 years, while looking ahead to the next 21 and beyond. To do this the Trust’s ‘Creating Opportunities’ campaign will launch today, on its official 21st birthday, where it will share stories from the people who have contributed to the charity’s many successes and milestones over the years.
Alison Haskins, CEO of Halifax Opportunities Trust, comments: “In 21 years Halifax Opportunities Trust has become a well-respected community anchor in Calderdale and has stayed firmly rooted within Park ward. While we have evolved and our ambitions may have changed since official operations began, our purpose has remained the same – to create a vibrant, multicultural and self-sustaining community.
“We’re so proud of how far we have come over the past two decades. From a team of just 14 in 2002 to 180 in 2023 we have truly ‘grown-up’ and, as we embark on our journey into the future, the important connections and knowledge we have gained along the way will be instrumental in continuing to create opportunities for the people of Calderdale.”
Creating Opportunities for 21 years…
Halifax Opportunities Trust officially began operating in April 2002, continuing the legacy of the West Central Halifax Partnership, making this year the Trust’s official 21st birthday. It first set out to ‘fly the flag for regeneration’ with the ultimate goal of bringing positive change in Halifax. Today the Trust’s six delivery areas aim to do just that, creating opportunities for a better life and future, reaching around 1,700 people each day.
Revd Canon Hilary Barber, HOT’s Chair of Trustees, adds: “HOT has grown in many ways. Our work has diversified to meet community needs and respond to many local, national and global challenges. We couldn’t have done this without our employees, volunteers and Trustees.
“We’re delighted that many of our staff, volunteers and board members have grown with us – some since the very start. Our birthday is the perfect way to recognise the work of our teams and the individuals who have shown their commitment to the charity over the past 21 years, helping us to build a thriving community together.”
Opportunities for a better life, stronger community and brighter future
The campaign will also reveal the charity’s plans to celebrate, including a community garden party held at The Outback Community Kitchen and Garden, as well as a multi-partner event that will be held at the Trust’s annual review of the year and AGM.
Halifax Opportunities Trust invites all to its community celebration, held at the Outback Community Kitchen & Garden on Thursday 15th June 2023, as well as the Big HOT Review of the Year on 16th November 2023, where official and concluding celebrations will be held at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre.
Over the coming weeks and months, the charity will share more detail on these events, as well as its plans and aspirations for the future. For more information and updates on the Anniversary and related activities, please head to the Trust’s official 21st Birthday webpage, here.
The Trust will be sharing its milestone through a timeline on Instagram. For those seeking regular updates, please follow the campaign on: @HalifaxOppsTrust
