Zuto’s Forever Manchester Make A Difference fund donates £60,000 to local community projects

Manchester-based car finance marketplace, Zuto, has named Don’t walk Past Manchester and Manchester Wellbeing Cancer Choir as the latest of 61 projects that have benefited from its Forever Manchester Make a Difference fund, since its launch in 2021.

Don't Walk Past Manchester’s outreach teams spend time in Manchester City Centre and surrounding areas, to help clothe, feed and supply basic essentials to homeless communities. The funding will help to purchase additional supplies needed during the winter months. Manchester Wellbeing Cancer Choir builds support networks for people who have been affected by cancer, through communal singing. Make A Difference funding will cover the cost of venue hire for approximately one year, enabling the group to hold singing sessions with a choir leader.

The latest projects coincide with Zuto’s CEO, Jim Wilkinson, celebrating his first six months as Forever Manchester’s president. During this time, Jim has provided strategic support to the organisation, as well as securing sponsorship for the Forever Manchester annual birthday party and introducing new business supporters and fundraisers. Jim has also ensured the charity is embedded into the culture of Zuto and its employees. 

Established in 1989, Forever Manchester raises money to fund and support community activities across Greater Manchester. The Zuto Make A Difference Fund launched in September 2021 to provide opportunities for local people to help make their communities happier and healthier places to live. Zuto employees meet regularly to consider funding applications and have so far committed £60,000 across the region, benefitting more than 28,000 people.

Macmillan cancer nurse specialist, Ros Fox, who established the Manchester Wellbeing Cancer Choir said: “This funding means we can keep on singing for another year! The choir isn’t just about the songs, however. There’s a huge amount of support and friendship within the group, and scientific evidence shows that singing has a massive impact on wellbeing and the immune system.”

Jean Mills, Head of Philanthropy at Forever Manchester said: “Zuto understands the impact and importance of supporting grassroots community projects such as Don't Walk Past Manchester and Manchester Wellbeing Cancer Choir, and we are so grateful for their support.

“Jim has also been an amazing advocate for our work during his time as our President - not only encouraging support from within his own organisation, but also using his influence and connections to talk about his involvement with Forever Manchester.”

Jim founded Zuto with the mission of transforming the car finance industry, building trust with customers through transparency. In 2022, Zuto became a certified B Corp, joining the growing number of businesses that acknowledge a purpose, beyond just profit.