Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) is celebrating reaching an important milestone this year, its 21st birthday!
The Calderdale-based charity strives to create opportunities for a better life, a stronger community and a brighter future.
HOT began operating in April 2002, originally offering business advice, and support with employment and IT before it became the powerhouse social enterprise it is today.
To help mark this achievement, HOT held a wonderful garden party at The Outback Community Kitchen and Garden on Thursday 15th of June which saw over 150 guests from the local community come together to celebrate the occasion.
The afternoon was filled with heaps of fun, including live entertainment, a children’s treasure hunt, garden games, fresh homemade food from The Outback team and Café No. 5, and even beekeeping demonstrations and honey tasting!
The proud Calderdale community spirit was certainly present on the day with members of the local community celebrating together and visiting stalls from Overgate Hospice, 51st Pellon Scout Group, Halifax Community Fridge, Unique, Green New Deal and the outstanding delivery teams over at HOT.
Alison Haskins, CEO of Halifax Opportunities Trust, comments: “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…
Seeing everyone having fun together at our Community Celebration reflects everything HOT is about – creating a vibrant, multicultural and self-sustaining community.
I am confident the Trust will continue to have an immense impact in the next 21 years, not only within Park Ward but across the region; becoming a shining example of true community power.”
Halifax Opportunities Trust also took the opportunity to raise awareness of the Trust’s intentions to acquire The Queen’s Road Neighbourhood Centre and transform it into a multi-purpose community centre, from which HOT will operate.
The Trust has put forward an expression of interest to Calderdale Council and hopes the site will be a base for the charity for the next 21 years and beyond becoming a true community hub in the heart of Park Ward.
You can join HOT later this year on the 16th of November at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre to conclude their birthday celebrations at their annual AGM, where they’ll be showcasing their HOT highlights over the past 21 years.
For more information and events throughout the rest of the year keep your eyes peeled here: Creating Opportunities for 21 years – Join our Celebration!
A huge congratulations and well done to everyone at Halifax Opportunities Trust, we can’t wait to see what the future will bring!
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