Bolton-based online electrical retailer, AO announces today that it has become a Founder Patron of HideOut Youth Zone in Manchester.
HideOut is a £6.6million state-of-the-art Youth Zone which aims to provide young Mancunians with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. HideOut is now available with Covid-safe measures for young people aged between 8 and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
With its Manchester creative and sales hub less than four miles away, the retailer was inspired to support HideOut after seeing the hugely positive effect OnSide Youth Zones can have on young people and their local communities. As part of its support, AO plans to offer a full programme of mentoring and careers workshops, that will be run by volunteers from across the business, aiming to young people in achieving their personal goals and ambitions. AO has joins an existing group of Founder Patrons which is made up of local businesses and philanthropists who are united in support of young people and their ambition to see Manchester flourish.
John Roberts AO Founder and Chief Executive said: “I’ve always said that talent is evenly distributed but sadly, opportunity is not. I strongly believe that if we increase the chances offered to the young people who need them most, we are taking a crucial step in building them a better long-term future. HideOut is an outstanding facility that is set to benefit thousands of young people across the city in the future and just down the road from our creative and sales hub. We look forward to the AO team partnering with HideOut to do amazing things for the young people who attend as well as their families and communities.”
With a brand new boxing and mixed martial arts space also a popular part of HideOut’s offer , AO has used its sponsorship of the upcoming Anthony Joshua boxing match on 12th December, to give young people from the Youth Zone an opportunity to ask their boxing hero a question ahead of the match. AO has used a compilation of the questions and Anthony Joshua’s answers across its social media channels to grow support of the charity among its customers.
Adam Farricker, Chief Executive of HideOut Youth Zone said: “We are extremely excited to welcome AO to our family of Founder Patrons. AO is a local brand we all know, and they share our passion to improve the life chances of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This additional funding alongside the skills and expertise their workforce will bring we directly support us to realise our ambition of ensuring young people can love healthy, safe and successful lives ”
For more information about HideOut Youth Zone please visit www.hideoutyouthzone.org
