The Great Get Together 2026 - celebrates community, connection and the Jo Cox Foundation

Good Deed Circles proudly hosted the Great Get Together 2026 event in Oldham to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Jo Cox Foundation.

The day began with a community litter pick on Crompton Street, Coldhurst, where volunteers joined forces to help make the local environment cleaner and greener.  

This was followed by the Great Get Together Celebration at Moza Bites Restaurant in Oldham, bringing community members together for an afternoon of recognition, friendship, networking and to celebrate MP Jo Cox's powerful legacy of unity and togetherness. 

Jo Cox was shot and stabbed multiple times outside a public library in Birstall, where she was arriving to hold a scheduled constituency surgery with local residents on June 16, 2016. 

Good Deed Circles Chairman, Saleh Uddin Talukdar Sumon, spoke about Jo Cox's legacy and the importance of building stronger, more connected communities.  

Saleh was also congratulated on his recent achievement of being named a finalist in the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards 2026 in the Environment Award category. 

A special highlight of the event was recognising three inspirational women for their outstanding contributions to the local community: 

Sally Maher, was recognised for her tireless work which involves collecting, recycling and distributing clothing, school uniforms, bedding, and other essential items for disadvantaged families across Oldham. She is the  Founder of Community Wardrobe Oldham, which she launched from her shed in 2022.

Through her dedication and community spirit, Community Wardrobe Oldham has already supported more than 18,000 children by providing free clothing to families in need. 

Kana Josée Bizimana (Josee Kana Bizi) – author, entrepreneur, founder and Chief Executive, UN Women UK Delegate, and UNHCR Refugee Storyteller was recognised for supporting underrepresented voices and champions inclusion, equality, and empowerment. 

Ruji Sapna Surjan – First British Bangladeshi Female Councillor in Oldham, First Muslim Chair of the Planning Committee, Local Improvement Fund Panel Member was recognised for her work with Westwood and Coldhurst Women's Association, including an invitation to meet His Majesty King Charles III at Holyrood Palace. 

Each recipient received a Certificate of Appreciation, a commemorative plaque, and a Good Deed Circles pin badge in recognition of their achievements and service. 

Saleh said: “The event was hosted by Mahbubur Rahman, supported by two outstanding young volunteers, Nabiha Zaman and Nadia Zaman (two proud daughters of Hamida Begum), who did an amazing job presenting throughout the day. We are incredibly proud to see young people actively involved in community leadership and volunteering. 

“A special thank you to Shefali Begum from Rochdale, Hamida Begum and Montaz Ali Azad for kindly presenting the awards to our recipients. 

“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Moza Bites Restaurant for generously providing the venue space and lunch for our guests, and to Breakfast cartelz Oldham for providing complimentary hot tea, Shahidul Khukon for the lovely Coconut Samosas and Sweet Snacks and Desi Cakes & Shakes for sponsoring the celebration cake, helping to make the day even more welcoming and enjoyable.” 

He added: “We are also grateful to the Jo Cox Foundation and Keep Britain Tidy for their support in helping us to deliver this project and bring our community together in the spirit of The Great Get Together. 

“Finally, thank you to everyone who participated in the litter pick, attended the event, volunteered their time, and supported our mission. Together, we continue to demonstrate Jo Cox's belief that we are "far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us. 

“Together we can build stronger, greener, and more inclusive communities.”