Current ‘Man of Rochdale’ Michael Bamford is the founder of Reuse Littleborough and won the award in recognition of his tireless efforts to support those in need both locally and abroad.
Through his non-profit organisation Reuse Littleborough, Michael and his team of dedicated volunteers collect and redistribute second-hand goods to help people who may not be able to afford everyday essentials.
The project serves struggling families in the Rochdale borough and also supports children overseas, with an emphasis on sustainable giving and reducing landfill waste.
Reuse Littleborough was launched in 2015 with the aim to support abandoned babies in Mwanza Tanzania. Amy Hathaway MBE had set up a baby rescue home and Reuse Littleborough filled a 40 foot container to send.
Having started operating from a cupboard with no lights, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing provided a shop in Smallbridge.
In June 2018, Reuse Littleborough took on the abandoned Royal Oak Pub, with plans to help local families, children and babies.
Having been granted charity status, a resource centre was created and a large van, staffed by a team of drivers, was sourced to collect furniture donations.
A baby shop on Hare Hill Road is very popular, and the main hub, which is now on Church Street, Littleborough, has donations arriving daily.
Reuse Littleborough is keen to spread the message of the importance of recycling, with presentations to schools, community groups, church groups, and business associations. Please get in touch if you would be interested in hosting a talk: reuselittleborough@gmail.com - 01706 334112.
