Fluid are delighted to share some of their recent charity endeavours. From supporting their local communities to hosting their very first Cornwall Soccer Aid, Fluid like to encourage their team to get involved with raising funds or volunteering for causes or charities that they feel passionate about. Fluid offer their team two paid volunteer days a year for every single member of the team. Fluid would like to shine the spotlight on some of these achievements over the last couple of months.

 

Cornwall Soccer Aid Safari 2023

 

On the 28th of August 2023, Fluid hosted the very first Cornwall Soccer Aid Safari at AFC St. Austell, Cornwall, in order to raise funds for the Vanessa Grant Trust and Cancer Research.

 

The day was a great success with its wild safari theme. From junior matches to senior kick-offs, it was all to play for at this year’s Soccer Aid Safari. It was an excellent opportunity for the local community to come together and get the ball rolling (literally!) for a great cause.

 

Notorious rival managers Phil Lafferty (St Blazey Football Club) and Chris Knight (St Austell Football Club) each curated a handpicked team of formidable football warriors – the day culminating in an epic battle between the Cheetahs and the Lions. “It was a huge success! We set out to deliver an inclusive, family event that brought the community together and I’m confident that we achieved exactly that!” said Brandon Tregidgo, Fluid’s Talent & Culture Lead.

 

Overall, the event raised a total of £16,000 for the Vanessa Grant Trust and Cancer Research. The Vanessa Grant Trust is an educational charity based in the rural community of Rongai, Kenya. They provide and improve education in local schools by supporting the continuous development of facilities, helping teachers to develop their skills and acquire ongoing practical knowledge and training. They develop bursary and mentorship support for students who need it most. With £16,000 raised, the children in Rongai will have brand new classrooms that will house desktop computers. This will further broaden their learning and development opportunities.

WAM Youth

Last month, Nicki White, our London Senior Merchandise Director, spent two days volunteering at a local charity called WAM Youth. Her task: helping to establish a handmade wooden classroom.

 

Set in acres of woodland, WAM (We All Matter) is a voluntary organisation that runs a variety of projects and services to build and strengthen positive and supportive relationships within the community.  They believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential whatever their circumstances or life experiences. Unfortunately, positive relationships and experiences are essential for young people but are not always accessible to them. That’s why WAM Youth are here to value children and young people as individuals and place them at the centre of what they do.

 

WAM Youth offers 1:1 support in an alternative provision project, suited to young people who struggle to access mainstream education. They offer them a chance to work towards the AQA Unit Award Scheme which is great for students who have an interest in the outdoors and who’ll benefit from a mentoring-style approach to education. Sessions can include butchery, axe and knife work, shelter building, fire, animal track traps, outdoor kitchens/cooking, wilderness living, and woodland art.

 

Nicki spent the majority of her time shovelling topsoil (donated by a local business) into tyres (also donated) to prepare for planting plants that’ll make the exterior of the new classroom more appealing. “It was hard work but totally worth it!” said Nicki. She added, “I’m so grateful to Fluid for the opportunity to volunteer. It’s so important to take a step out from your day-to-day to learn about things you wouldn’t normally think about. What I learnt was that not every child has a safe home life. Not every child is understood or has the support network they need to succeed. Not every child is held and loved. But, thanks to charities like WAM Youth, every child is given an opportunity to find their passion and are supported to succeed with their goals. It was a truly fantastic and heart-warming experience that I’ll remember fondly.”

 

Climbing Snowdon for Heart UK

Earlier this summer, Rosie Franklin, one of Fluid’s merchandise consultants, climbed Snowdon in order to raise funds for Heart UK in honour of her late Dad. She decided to end her climb in a monumental way too – by going down the Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zip line.

 

“It was a thrilling but challenging weekend!” said Rosie.

 

Rosie set herself the goal of climbing the whole of Snowdon in under 8 hours. She started in the early hours so as to see the sunrise at the summit. “It was so beautiful!” Rosie adds.

 

Heart UK is a cholesterol charity. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, making it hard to detect. But, with the help of Heart UK and stories like Rosie’s, awareness is being raised and lives saved.

 

And we’re happy to announce that Rosie raised an astonishing £2020 for Heart UK! Well done, Rosie!

Published on: September 14th, 2023