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Churches launch kindness crusade

Mark Hesford
4/ 7/2008

FIVE churches want Harpurhey residents to let them know how they can best improve Shiredale Estate with "acts of random kindness".

And as they prepare to do the deeds, they're challenging Advertiser readers to get in on the 'act' and spread a little kindness themselves.

Saturday July 19 sees volunteers from the churches working to improve the estate by offering to do gardening, rubbish removal, car and window washing, street sweeping and litter picking.

Now the volunteers - from Christchurch, Harpurhey Community Church, Deeper Life, Pathfinder and Christ The Vine - want residents on the estate to get in touch and let them know what other kind deeds they would like to see volunteers carrying out.

Spokesperson for the initiative, Kathie Calderwood, said: "If there's anything else we can do to help, or if they would like us to do one or more of the above tasks, residents can contact Neighbourhood Estate Officer Peter Gilson on 0790 610 2522."

"In addition, we encourage all readers in Harpurhey to carry out an act of random kindness for somebody on Saturday 19 July and let The Advertiser know about it.

"After all, it isn't just the churches that do good deeds in our community, Harpurhey has plenty of good neighbours."

The initiative - called 'Big Up Harpurhey' - is part of the larger 'Hope 08' scheme, which encourages local churches to get more involved with their communities.

The work will be followed on Sunday 20 July by a family fun day, picnic and open-air service on the grounds of Christchurch on Rochdale Road.

Bands, a DJ, a mass gospel choir, a balloon race and more will be keeping people entertained at the event, which starts at 12pm.

For more information, email peter.ncw@virgin.net, and if you're planning to do a good deed on the weekend, let the Advertiser know by ringing 0161 223 9199 or emailing mark.hesford@menwn.co.uk.