Let June Make A Difference launches in Batley

On 27 August 2015 we were delighted to officially launch Let June Make A Difference with an afternoon tea for 100 guests held at Batley Salvation Army. The charity will provide financial grants for children aged 7 to 17 to assist them in overcoming challenges they face in life, whether through illness, financial hardship or as a result of living in complex circumstances.

Let June Make A Difference works in partnership with third parties such as schools, faith leaders and local agencies to identify children that would benefit from assistance. Grants are focussed on providing help that will have an immediate but lasting impact upon local children that expands their horizons in life.

The charity’s namesake is June Dewhirst. June grew up in Ravensthorpe and lived throughout Kirklees before settling in Upper Hopton where she remained until her untimely death aged 62 last year. She had a great affinity for children and was a leader at the Edward Bear Club run by Mirfield Salvation Army for many years as well as a devoted mother and grandmother. The charity has been set up by her family in her memory with the motto ‘Offering a helping hand to local children’.

We were pleased to welcome a number of people to our launch event including teachers, representatives from Kirklees Council, the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Paul Kane and Mayoress Susan Bedford, the Lord-Lieutenant for West Yorkshire Ed Anderson and Deputy-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Major Stan Hardy.