The manager of a popular chicken restaurant in Oxford has been praised for establishing strong links with a local charity.

Nando’s has announced its Employability Heroes, including Mirka Mazurczak, general manager of Nando's Oxford Westgate, during its No Chuckin’ Our Chicken 10-year anniversary celebrations.

This connects jobseekers with employment opportunities across Nando’s restaurants throughout the UK.

Ms Mazurczak has been leading the way and making the most out of Nando’s Employability Programme, inspiring others to do the same.

READ MORE: Oxford hotel wins award 

She has cemented a close relationship with her restaurant’s charity partner SOFEA and in doing so has broken down barriers to employment for many in her team.

The Didcot-based charity provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people.

It also runs a community larder sharing surplus food - not a food bank.

Oxford Mail: Nando's at WestgateSam McCarthy, head of sustainability of Nando’s, said: “Huge congratulations to Mirka – this award is thoroughly deserved.

"This is a huge achievement, and it is down to her hard work, dedication and belief in the programme that has made her success possible.

"Mirka’s flexible and inclusive approach that she adopts in every aspect of her work is truly inspiring.

"I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Nando’s Oxford Westgate and it’s partnership with SOFEA.”

READ MORE: Pub with secret garden reopens 

Mr McCarthy added: “Expanding No Chuckin’ Our Chicken into recruitment was the perfect evolution of our food donation programme, utilising the connections with charities and community groups that we have made through food donations.

"Not only do we have a real business need in finding and recruiting new talent, but this programme also provides opportunities for all involved to support young people into employment, raising their confidence and skills while they’re with us.

Oxford Mail: Chicken at Nando's"I am delighted with the success we have seen with our recent new recruits and am excited for more people to join the Nando’s family through this programme.”

Since the start of the programme in 2013, Nando’s has donated 4.3 million meals to charities and community groups across the UK and Ireland.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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