A Day Of Community Activities Held In Honour Of Jo Cox

Oldham’s Good Deed Circles marked the 10th anniversary of the Jo Cox Foundation on Saturday in a day of community activities and recognition.

Jo Cox was the MP for Batley and Spen from May 2015 until her murder in June 2016.

The event celebrated the legacy of unity and togetherness promoted by the foundation.

The day began with a community litter pick on Crompton Street in Coldhurst, where more than 30 volunteers came together to help make the local environment cleaner and greener.

This was followed by a celebration at a local venue, bringing community members together for an afternoon of recognition, friendship, and networking.

The Chairman of Good Deed Circles, Saleh Uddin Talukdar, spoke about Jo Cox's legacy and the importance of building stronger, more connected communities.

A special highlight of the event was recognising three “inspirational women” for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Sally Maher is the founder of Community Wardrobe Oldham, which she launched from her shed in 2022.

Through her dedication and community spirit, Community Wardrobe Oldham has supported more than 18,000 children by providing free clothing to families in need.

Kana Josée Bizimana is an author, entrepreneur, UN Women UK delegate, and UNHCR refugee storyteller. Through her work, she amplifies underrepresented voices and champions inclusion, equality, and empowerment.

Ruji Sapna Surjan is the first British Bangladeshi female councillor in Oldham. She is the first Muslim chair of the Planning Committee, Local Improvement Fund Panel member, and she has been recognised for her work with WCWA. She was invited to meet His Majesty King Charles III at Holyrood Palace.

Ruji said: “It was a bit of a surprise and an honour to be recognised by community members. We don’t do the work to be recognised for our hard work.

“Good Deed Circles has been around for a year or so. They started off small by doing litter picks in the community, but they have grown into something bigger. Men, women and young people now take part.”

Each recipient received a certificate of appreciation, a commemorative plaque, and a Good Deed Circles pin badge in recognition of their achievements and service.

The event was hosted by Mahbubur Rahman BEM, General secretary of Good Deed Circles, supported by two volunteers, Nabiha Zaman and Nadia Zaman.

Saleh added: “Thank you to everyone who participated in the litter pick, attended the event, volunteered their time, and supported our mission. Together, we continue to demonstrate Jo Cox's belief that we are ‘far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.’”

Also in attendance were former Cllr Shefali Begum from Rochdale, Shetu Chowdhury from Ashton, Cllr Montaz Ali Azad from Oldham, former Cllr Jilad Miah and former Cllr Abdul Malik. Good Deed Circles advisor Hamida Begum was also present.