Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Northampton and Oxford-based Opus Energy, has awarded £10K from its Opus Energy Gift fund to help power the projects of local charities and community groups.

Not-for-profit community groups in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire were invited to prepare and submit a short video identifying the aim and purpose of the group and what project they would use a stake of the £10K Opus Energy Gift fund for.

Opus Energy can reveal the winning video entries are:

•Oxford Food Bank, which picks up fresh food that would otherwise get thrown away and delivers it to those in need - awarded £3,000 to help them move to new premises;

•Special Effect, which helps people with disabilities to enjoy computer games for inclusion and a better quality of life - awarded £2,000 to fund more Fun Day visits to its specialist games room;

•BG Records and Young Women’s Music Project – awarded £2,000 to put on a music event for young people whilst offering them workshops, recording sessions, support and mentoring;

•Liberty Drum Corps, a UK award-winning youth marching band based - awarded £600 to help fund their competitions in Europe;


•The Porch Steppin' Stone, which provides support for homeless and vulnerably housed people wanting to move forward with their lives – awarded £600 towards a new social enterprise project;

•Messy Jam, a non-profit dance school - awarded £600 to help pursue initiatives in performances and competitions;

•Campion School Athletics Club - awarded £300 towards the cost of a new long jump run;

•Northamptonshire Breastfeeding Alliance, which aims to normalise, promote, support and protect breastfeeding - awarded £300 towards a breast pump loan hire scheme;

•2nd Oxford Scout Group, Oxfordshire's oldest scouting group - awarded £300 towards the cost of fixing the guttering of their scout hut; and

•Northampton Festival of Performing Arts, which encourages participation in performing arts - awarded £300 to fund ten sessions at the next festival.

Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: "We are tremendously pleased to provide funding for such good causes in the local community. Opus Energy is firmly committed to investing in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire - alongside our charity work we intend to employ another 100 people across our Northampton and Oxford offices over the next year."

Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council and member of the Opus Energy Gift judging panel, comments: "Across our town we have a strong network of charitable and community groups working hard to support people and communities. The Opus Energy Gift is a fantastic example of a Northampton based company giving back to and investing in our communities. And, with every entry deserving recognition for what they do it was difficult to pick winners."

Robin Aitken, Operational Director at the Oxford Food Bank, winners of the £3,000 gift, commented: "The Oxford Food Bank relies on donations from local organisations and individuals to keep us going. We're very grateful to Opus Energy for organising this competition which has resulted in us getting this generous donation of £3,000. Every £1 given to us results in at least £25 worth of direct benefit in food to the charities we serve. On their behalf, thank you."

To view all the video entries, please visit www.opusenergygift.com.