Manchester citizens who helped in the clear up following the riots and looting will be acknowedged with a charity auction on Monday.
Jeremy Myers, creator of the widely followed @riotcleanupmanc Twitter account, is continuing his inspirational work by organising an auction of limited edition prints. A total of 50 prints will be auctioned on Ebay.
Proceeds will go to the Manchester based Reclaim and the national Leap Confronting Conflict organisation – both charities work to improve the lives and potential of young people.
“I can’t believe the sheer number of people that turned out to clean up their city. Over 1000 people, armed with brushes and brooms and bin bags,” said Mr Myers.
“There was no ‘lost generation’ here because I saw people of all ages, regardless of sex, race, religion or football team all standing together as one. I just feel privileged to have been part of it.”
North West illustrator Emmeline Pidgen designed the print after being inspired by the clean-up effort that returned Manchester to normality.
Emmeline posted her design on Twitter where it received 19,000 views in just two days – prompting her to contact Jeremy to suggest the auction.
Of the prints, Mr. Myers said: “Emmeline has created this inspiring piece of work that captures the positive attitude of the hundreds of people who came to tidy up their city and I now hope that we can use this to raise money for RECLAIM and LEAP to improve the lives of young people.”
Support has been doled out in the bucket load, not least by local printer John Powell-Jones and Ben Hiard from Pop Bubble Rock!
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s spokesman for the City Centre, said: “Jez has proved himself to be a true Manchester hero this week, stirring help from people across the city. I also have to say how impressed I was with the various businesses and groups that provided hot drinks and food to the volunteers.
“Emmeline’s picture captures the community spirit that was there in the City after the riots and I hope this spirit continues and grows with the I Love MCR campaign.”
More information about the prints can be found at: www.riotcleanupmanc.co.uk
If any businesses or individuals want to donate money to either charity they are urged to contact Jeremy at [email protected]or visit www.reclaimproject.org.uk and www.leaplinx.com
