The summer has not been quiet for Pilotlight. In July we signed up our first charity in Wales, a social enterprise in the Rhondda Valley, once one of the best known mining areas in Britain now also an area noted for its poverty. Arts Factory is all about developing a portfolio of businesses that will in turn fund an extensive community programme helping the most marginalised people in the Rhondda Valley.
In Scotland, Adam Ingram MSP, Minister for Children and Early Years, has visited three projects that have been 'Pilotlit'. Having seen the impact that is being made, Adam said:
“Early Years Framework recognises the value of more effective collaborations in the delivery of early years services between the private, public and third sector. That’s why I’m pleased to have had the chance to see the exceptional work delivered by The Yard in Edinburgh and The Jeely Piece in Castlemilk, who have both been supported by Pilotlight Scotland and their volunteers or ‘Pilotlighters’. Through the work of Pilotlight, small organisations who support and recognise the importance of play have been able to establish sustainability and long-term funding arrangements – in turn benefitting children, their families and their local communities.”
Scotland was our first Pilotlight outside London, Wales is the second. With added resolve we are starting to fundraise so that we can touch many more lives. We want to raise a million over the next three years to triple the number of charities we reach.
The ostrich approach seems a real option as people ask whether they can change things at all. But Pilotlighting charities really does make a difference: we know with your help local charities reach 60% more people. Imagine that effect tripled across the country. That is why Pilotlight trustees and staff want to raise £1m and why I am looking to our Pilotlighters and friends to join us.
We want the journey to be fun and true to the spirit of Pilotlight. Our first event is a skills auction. Just before Christmas we are auctioning off the sort of skills money can’t buy: lucky bidders will learn or benefit from the skills of gurus whether they be a design supremo, a golfing expert or master of the culinary arts. Money raised will go to giving charities the Pilotlight experience which is seen by the charities as beyond what money can buy:
“Even if someone offered me £80,000 I would still go for my team of Pilotlighters!”
Celine Sinclair, The Yard, Edinburgh
Fiona Halton
Chief Executive