Barclays Bank and Aston FM giving money to good causes

Sep 5 2008 By Poppy Brady

WITH times getting tighter, good causes across the city are being invited to put in a plea for a share of a Money Give Away being run by a community radio station and Barclays Bank.

Aston FM and Barclays are expanding the scheme they started last year, which offered their first £1,000 cash prize to help the Birmingham and Deaf Children’s Society.

Now Barclays is offering £7,500 this year and hopes to share out the award between several deserving causes, which can also include schools and church groups.

Gary James, Aston 89.1 FM’s breakfast show host, said: “We launched the scheme last year just a few weeks after we had opened the radio station. The scheme worked really well and we’re delighted that Barclays has decided to expand it this year.

“Requests can be for anything from giving underprivileged kids a holiday or using money to spruce up a community room or buy new equipment.”

The Aston FM bus spent a day outside Birmingham Town Hall, along with members of Barclays staff to explain the Money Give Away to shoppers.

Each applicant can ask for a minimum of £200 up to a maximum of £1,000. People interested have until the end of September to apply.

Aston 89.1 FM, which is based in the grounds of Aston Villa, was launched last year by songwriter and composer Muff Murfin. One of its main focuses is to seek out local musical talent.

* Anyone wanting application details can contact the station on 0121 325 8665 or e-mail Gary at garyjames@astonfm.com