Five incredible charities receive more than £20K in funding
FIVE life-changing charities from across the East Midlands have welcomed much-needed funding after sharing £22,926 donated by the non-profit organisation, The Star Trust.
The Star Trust is an East Midlands based charity, run by local business owners and entrepreneurs. Since it launched in 2013, they have donated £701,576 making a real difference to 83 charities across the region.
Brighter Futures Through Sport, Money Matters Leicester, Jon Egging Trust, Footprints Conductive Education Centre and Leicester Children’s Holidays received their cheques at a special event hosted by the Nottingham-based luxury car dealer, Ferrari Graypaul.
Ferrari Graypaul were the headline sponsors of the Star Trusts recent Motoring Day which raised over £40,000 for East Midlands based charities. They provided a series of incredible cars for guests to test drive on the road as well as a static display. The day’s activities also included a blindfold course and an RTV reverse challenge with machinery provided by Irelands.
At the cheque presentation, the five charities were treated to a dazzling light show where they had an exclusive preview of the latest Ferrari - The 296 GTB. Guests were presented with a range of Italian treats as they met with The Star Trust volunteers and other local charities before the children in attendance were given miniature Ferrari models to take home.
Star Trust chairman Steve Hampson said: “I’m a big believer in life that when you do well, you have a moral responsibility to give back and working with The Star Trust allows our supporters to see how their money is being used on a local level. We visit every charity that we donate to and we are often able to re-engage with them afterwards to see how the money has impacted their charity and supported the great work that they do.”
Among the latest charities to benefit is Brighter Futures Through Sport. They received a £10,000 donation which means they will now be running their sports mentoring programme in 45 schools across the East Midlands.
Its founder, former professional footballer Lee Canoville, said: “The help from the Star Trust towards the funding of our programmes is incredibly important.
“We know the impact that Covid-19 has had on the children we support in schools and this funding will enable us to continue to support them with regards to their behaviour, mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and confidence.
“It’s incredibly important for them to get this support now and to set them up with skills that they can carry through life going forward.”
Lee Canoville (L) Founder of Brighter Futures Through Sport accepting a donation cheque with Danielle Chulan, Chair (C) from Wendy Coney (R)
Nicola Ingamells, of the Jon Egging Trust which received £5,000 in funding and provides specialised military learning experiences for children, said: As a smaller charity it is very hard to have your message heard. Star Trust has made us feel valued, and because of that, we can have a real impact on the lives of our students. To be able to provide young people with softer skills can help profoundly shape their future.
“The funds donated to us will allow 50 at-risk children to take part in the Blue Skies Inspire programme in Lincolnshire.” This programme targets children who are at risk of dropping out of school, disruptive, have low attendance or are struggling with their mental health. In the programme, children take part in activities and challenges to promote teamwork, confidence, leadership and for older children, employability.
Nicola Ingamells (L) represented JET and received a donation cheque from Star Trust board member Torie Blythe-Richards (R)
Sophie Underwood, from Footprints Conductive Education Centre said: “The £2,600 that was donated to us is invaluable. Without donations like this, we couldn’t exist - every penny is important and because of inactivity caused by Covid-19, we’ve been pushed right to the edge.
“For our kids to attend an event like this is the icing on the cake - it is a dream come true for them and they’ve been made to feel so welcome by the whole team here at Ferrari.” The funds donated to Footprints will support a new project for pre school children with disabilities who have difficulty eating and drinking.
Sophie Underwood (L) represented Footprints and received a donation cheque from Star Trust board member Laura Mulley (R)
A donation of £3,000 was also received by Leicester-based charity Money Matters. The cheque was accepted by Jon Sinclaire (L) and Cathy Shelley (C) on behalf of Money Matters from Steve Warren (R) board member of The Star Trust.
Money matters provide free specialist debt, benefits and budgeting advice to those in need. With this donation, Money Matters will be able to improve the financial position of 70 people.
A further £2,250 was donated to Leicester Children’s Holidays, which supports disadvantaged children by providing summer breaks which they otherwise would not have. Michelle Cullen (L), June Lim (C) and Michael Griffiths (C) accepted the cheque on behalf of LCH from Imogen Cox (R) board member of The Star Trust.
Nick Jessop, head of business at Graypaul Nottingham, said the evening had been really special. “It’s great to see the difference that this funding makes. There is a real synergy between Star Trust and Graypaul Ferrari which enables us to ensure that events are a real success.
“It has been a pleasure because we can physically see the end result which we don’t always have the opportunity to do. We are here to support the Star Trust, they just need to let us know where and when and we will always endeavour to make any event they throw, a success.”
