THOSE who raise thousands for good causes are often the power behind projects that make a huge difference to our lives.

The Fundraiser of the Year award is designed to recognise the huge efforts that goes on - often behind the scenes - to bring change to our communities.

The finalists are Shahidur Rahman, David Harvey and Mike Frazer.

Shahidur Rahman has been nominated for obtaining more than £7 million worth of funding for several Bradford projects over 20 years.

The money has supported BEAP, Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Iqra Centre, and many more.

Shahidur’s nominator said: “Shahidur has always driven these community initiatives behind the scenes with humility and without the limelight and recognition.

“Shahidur has played a significant role in reviving community facilities in Manningham & Barkerend. For years the Bangladeshi community has suffered from lack of investment and this led to a number of community centres folding such as the Bangladesh Porishad and the Bangladesh Peoples Association.

“Shahidur has not only helped bring those community facilities back into use but ensured that they can be sustainable in the long term without the over reliance on grant funding.”

David Harvey, chair of the Bradford Hospice Fundraising group, has been fundraising for Marie Curie over the past 25 years.

His nominator said: “He leads the group in a variety of activities - with much of his work being done behind the scenes -to raise vital funds so the hospice can continue its work caring for people. David also makes sure that all supporters and members of the group are thanked for their generosity and hard work.

“All David’s work for Marie Curie is voluntary. He takes part in supermarket collections, arranges collection and distribution of collection cans, keeps records, attends meetings, helps at national events such as Yorkshire Three Peaks, liases with various supporters, issues letters and thank you cards, publicises events and attends events to represent the charity.”

David said: “I appreciate that my charity work is being recognised. However I feel very humble for being nominated for an award.”

Mike Frazer is on a mission to bring new and long-standing residents in Apperley Bridge and Greengates together.

He co-founded two new community groups - Friends of Greengates Cenotaph and Greengates and Apperley Bridge volunteers - and secured funds for the annual Christmas tree and lights from local businesses.

His nominator said: “His enthusiasm and organising skills have enabled many elderly isolated or vulnerable people to engage with others.”

Other achievements include successfully bidding for a £1,000 Bradford Council grant and running several community projects, such as litter picking events.

Speaking about how it felt to be nominated, Mike said: “A one word answer would be stunned. There’s a group of volunteers who’ve been doing gardening, litter picking, and other work within the community for many years, longer than I have. What I’ve wanted to do is to organise it more, to bring more organisation and more new residents to community activities.

“I’d like to think I’m representing all the community volunteers.”

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards revealed

For 2022’s Community Stars Awards, there are nine categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist

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