Big Change Leeds has received its first major pledge of support in helping to make a real difference for those in need on the city’s streets. Integrated property service provider RFM Group has donated £10,000 to the new collaborative city-wide campaign, which launched last month, and is urging other local businesses to get on board and show their support.
Big Change Leeds aims to get the city behind it to provide direct benefits for people on the city centre’s streets by addressing individual needs.
The new alternative-giving campaign for Leeds wants to raise awareness, inform, educate and engage people in ways to help those in need by bringing individuals and businesses together to give time, money or items effectively. Donations are made through a central site which connects charities and organisations appealing for help with those wanting to help.
RFM Group CEO Ian Flanagan and staff at the firm are getting behind the campaign, making small changes to contribute to helping make a lasting change to someone’s life.
“Big Change really is a campaign that could make a significant difference to the city of Leeds,” he said. “Our £10,000 was made to help kick start the campaign but we will continue to support Big Change and have pledged to help in a number of ways, from monthly staff salary contributions to offering my time as a mentor to ex-street users who are looking to get back into long term meaningful employment and housing.”
“Being involved has opened my eyes up to how much support is needed and how the Leeds district as a collective is now taking this situation seriously. I have already started working in collaboration with a number of local City centre retailers and St George’s crypt to see how we can come together and make a difference.”
Big Change Leeds brings over 45 charitable organisations from across the city together onto one public facing platform (Street Support Leeds), making information accessible about existing resources in the city centre and how people can help directly. It focuses on the provision of those essential everyday items which can make a big change such as a bus pass, deposit for a flat, clothing for an interview or the basics to furnish a flat. It also enables people to offer skills support, practical assistance or just an hour to help here or there.
Big Change Leeds aims to make a real and positive change to those who may find themselves on the street, by working with local charities, organisations and support services, which can apply for funds. It also highlights the wider services engaged in working with those in genuine need on the streets of Leeds city centre and will illustrate how donations are helping to make a real difference to individual lives.
There are lots of ways to get involved to help people in need on the streets of Leeds and contribute to making a lasting change from donating spare toiletries or unwanted items of clothes to volunteering to serve up hot drinks or committing time to pass on skills and knowledge. Some of the first fundraising efforts have included an office bake sale and a quiz night held at Victoria Gate Casino with teams from businesses across the city including Squire Patton Boggs, Schofield Sweeney, Ward Hadaway, RLB and Something More.
“As a business in the region, there are so many ways to get involved in this worthy campaign,” added Ian. “It’s a great time to come on board and commit time, money or your expertise to help make a difference to those in need. Together even small change can make a Big Change.”
