July was a fantastically busy month for all involved at Fresh Futures last month. Each day was filled with exciting achievements and developments across the charity. And none of it would have been possible without the wonderful support from the community, local businesses, volunteers, employees and beyond!
Today we would like to take some time out to say not one but TEN THANK YOUs to a wide array of Fresh Futures Charity supporters, who have been fundamental in helping us achieve so much. Here we go…
On 10th July, Daniel Todd from Proactive Code ran the Ilkley 1/2 marathon to raise funds for Fresh Futures. Proactive Code are the organisation that supported Fresh Futures with the creation of the new website that we have today, and it’s amazing that we have been able to continue working together since. Daniel raised a whopping £203.75 for the charity which will go towards providing vital services for our Children, Young People and Families.
On 17th July, a group of 27 walkers and three dogs took to the streets of Huddersfield for a 2.5 mile hike from Fresh Futures Brian Jackson House, up to the top of Castle Hill (and back down again!). It was a really fun day, and the walkers collectively raised a whopping £837.50 for YCC. A big thank you to everyone who took part, and who sponsored the walkers to help this run so successfully.
For this event, all refreshments were provided by AG Barr who sent us 48 bottles of water and 72 cans of Iron Bru. Refreshment bags were handed our to all participants at the start of the walk, and they were much needed as we walked up during heatwave weather. We were all very happy to enjoy a cold can of Iron Bru once we reached the top. THANK YOU AG Barr!
What’s more, the yellow t-shirts worn during the event were provided by IPrint Apparel in Huddersfield. Another very kind and helpful gesture came from IPrint Apparel, who gave the charity a large discount for the t-shirts. These Fresh Futures shirts were great at helping us raise our profile as we marched up the hill as one team.
This July, Fresh Futures also received a very important donation from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. Following some employee First Aid training across all of YCC’s sites, it was brought to the attention of the Leadership Team that the charity and the communities in these areas, would largely benefit from having access to defibrillator machines. In response to this, WYFRS have provided Fresh Futures with funding through their Community Grant for FOUR defibrillator machines and cases to support the charity and local communities. The defibrillators will soon be installed outside Brian Jackson House, our two colleges, and the Jo Cox House community centre in Batley. Once up and running, they will be accessible to staff and members of the public by calling 999 or 112 and following the simple instructions.
On 22nd July, we posted our Amazon Wish list across social media. We were absolutely delighted when, less than a week later, we received a small library in the post! A big big THANK YOU goes to Dr Ellen Jackson (Daughter of the charity’s founder, Brian Jackson) for this wonderful gift. These have been taken to be shared across our Alternative Provision Colleges in Huddersfield and Heckmondwike for our students. These positive books, will help not only with their literacy skills, but to enhance their positivity, motivation and enthusiasm.
The 23rd and 24th July was a big weekend for YCC, as 5 brave walkers took on the 24hr National Three Peaks Challenge. Thanks to the amazing support from lots of sponsors, the walkers collectively raised £1447.02 for Fresh Futures which is outstanding!
As the month neared the end, we bid an emotional farewell to our Year 11 pupils of Brian Jackson College. The pupils completed two years in our alternative provision schools, broadening their knowledge and skills, building on their health and well-being, and growing into mature young adults. We couldn’t be prouder of these pupils for what they have achieved – especially given that this cohort also experienced the global pandemic whilst developing themselves. A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who has supported the college with donations of money, experiences and equipment over the academic year, and of course to the college staff who worked so hard to help get the pupils to where they are today!
On 26th July, Fresh Futures put out an urgent appeal for more Community Friends volunteers to help us meet the increasing need for lonely and isolated people around many towns within Kirklees. Thanks to your shares and comments on our social media, we reached thousands of viewers and have since seen a surge in the number of people looking to get involved. This kind of interaction on social media is invaluable. So THANK YOU to everyone who supported our social media appeal, and of course THANK YOU to those who have joined our Volunteer Family and those who have continued to volunteer over the months and years. We continue to have a great need for volunteers. If you are interested in learning how you could volunteer, don’t hesitate to speak with Lucy Martin:
01484 519988
Finally, a big thank you to YOU! For reading this post. The fact that you are here, keeping up to date with our charity means the world to us. We hope that you enjoy our news updates and if you would like to get involved with Fresh Futures in ANY WAY, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected] or call us for a chat, on 01484 519988.