Examiner Community Awards: Friend of the Year, Community Project of the Year
THE Safe Anchor Trust gives people a taste of something totally different.
The charity allows people with special needs to enjoy the waterways around Kirklees.
It takes groups onto the Calder and Hebble Navigation from its base at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield.
Les Moss set up the group in 1992. "It started as a project for offenders on probation to convert a boat for use by disabled people,’’ he said.
"In 1994 we took 400 people – mostly elderly or with special needs – on canal trips. By 2008 we were taking out 14,000 people a year, including many children."
The Safe Anchor Trust provides free trips to many groups, including the Hollybank Trust and Castle Hill School. Both have severely disabled pupils.
Mr Moss said: "Winning this award means more than when we won a national award in 2003. This is more special because it is a local award supported by local people."
Safe Anchor also take local voluntary organisations as well as disabled people.
A well supported charity that provides something for nothing.
The trust has 90 volunteers, but is looking for more.
Mr Moss added: "We need people from all backgrounds who enjoy looking after people."
For more information call 01484 715572.
Other nominees in this category, sponsored by David Brown, were the Nerve Centre and Get Out There project.
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