THREE charities close to the former Mayor's heart have each received £1,827. 

Cllr Abdul Harid facilitated the Mayor's Charity Appeal for 2023-2024, which awarded these donations to Cash for Kids, Carlisle Food Bank and Carlisle One World Centre.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who contributed to the tremendous success of the fundraising events," he said. 

Thanks were also given to local businesses that donated towards raffle prizes.

"The contributions will undoubtedly make a significant difference, enabling the charities to continue providing essential services to those who need it most," he said. 

"It is heartening to witness the collective strength and compassion that defines our community." 

Steph Humes, manager of Carlisle Foodbank, said: "It was a pleasure working with the mayor and the other chosen charities.

"It is great working together as a united front.

"We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with such fantastic community charities who provide great services for the local communities," she said. 

With its share of the funding, Carlisle One World Centre(COWC) /Carlisle Refugee Action Group plans to offer further support to women from different backgrounds, including refugees and people seeking asylum as well as help provide clothing for almost 200 people seeking asylum in Carlisle. 

The group's development officer, Adrienne Gill, said: "The funding will greatly help both charities and the work they do.

"In the case of CRAG, the funding will greatly assist with some of the setup costs of becoming a new charity which has not been covered by other funding sources," she said. 

Sara Oldham from Cash for Kids, highlighted that the donation would aid local children who are sick, disabled, or disadvantaged, having them "turn tears into laughter" and respect "dignity from despair".

“Each year Cash for Kids reaches into the darkest corners and turns on the lights. With your help we can light up the lives of even more disadvantaged children in our area.

"Your effort can turn tears into laughter, your generosity can rescue dignity from despair and your support can break down barriers to create a brighter future for all young people," she said.