In 2022, John Lewis Partnership launched Building Happier Futures – a commitment to using their position as an employer and retailer to improve lives and harness the talents of individuals who have grown up in care – whether this is through direct support and financial aid, or providing employment opportunities and training for young people.
As part of the Building Happier Futures programme, John Lewis Partnership have funded many ‘moments of happiness’ for our members, including trips, local groups and national events. One of our members designed a shopping bag which was sold in John Lewis and Waitrose stores across the country, and they will be selling products in stores again this Christmas to raise more money for the programme.
Their Golden Jubilee Trust funds the donation of time and skills, rather than money. It gives John Lewis Partners the chance to be seconded to their chosen UK Registered charity for up to six months, either full or part time. Who Cares? Scotland was fortunate to be matched with a Partner from the Milngavie Waitrose branch, Alison Nicholson, to help the fundraising team organise a new fundraising event – the Gala for Love.
Held last month at the Radisson Blu Glasgow, the Gala for Love raised £22,906 for Who Cares? Scotland, thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors – Kibble, Macklin Motors, SQA and Education Institute Scotland. The event, which featured a musical performance from our talented member Alicia Santana and a moving keynote speech from our Chair Carmel Jacob, simply would not have been possible without Alison’s involvement. She reflects on her experience:
Six months ago I was lucky to be granted a secondment to Who Cares? Scotland from the John Lewis partnership via their Golden Jubilee Trust fund. My role has been to help the fundraising team design and deliver a Gala fundraising event. An important part of setting up this event and planning its content has been to learn about the work of the charity and what it means to be care experienced. From attending the Carelidh back in February to The Care Cup & the Summer Camp later in the year, I have been able to lend a hand and see what these events mean to the members.
Lots of work and planning went in to holding the Gala for Love, from selling tickets to booking all the required elements, planning the entertainment for a large event and hunting down lots of great prizes. It really was a great team effort with our specially formed committee and not to mention calling in a few favours from personal contacts & businesses!
We put together a wonderful evening of inspirational performances, speeches & fund raising activities rounding it off with lots of dancing to The Black Ties, the amazing band that so kindly performed for us. We had a great team on the night all working together to make it the success that it was and managing to enjoy ourselves too in the process! We raised an amazing £22,900 from the event. It’s great to raise lots of money but also incredibly valuable to raise awareness of what it means to be Care Experienced and to engage our guests and gain new supporters for the incredible work of Who Cares? Scotland.
I will reflect on my secondment to this wonderful charity with pride in creating a legacy for a fun & uplifting annual fundraising event, and with affection for the staff and volunteers who welcomed me into the organisation, kindly supported me in helping to make The Gala for Love a success. I look forward to volunteering for the charity in the future. I would encourage other people to support this organisation because of the core mission which drives all their work – a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people.
Thank you Alison – from everyone at Who Cares? Scotland.
