45 Seconds to Progress through Chaos
On Monday 2nd November I received an email from Theresa Burton, a lady that I met some months ago informing me that her company had three complimentary tickets to this event. The first three people to reply to the email would receive a ticket and the opportunity to make a 45 second pitch for funding support.
Yes, folks that really is 45 SECONDS.
I have written my first draft and practiced it in front of a camera so that I can gather your valuable opinions. I have never pitched for 45 seconds before… I will use all your feedback to tweak the pitch to gain my entry to the Dragons Den that the conference has towards the end of the day and then I’ll do what I do.
The theme of the conference is: PROGRESS THROUGH CHAOS
I thought this seemed quite apt given our history with Woolworths, who incidentally would have celebrated their 100th year with a big Kids First bang had they been around on our high streets…
Thank you to Theresa Burton for the opportunity and Lucy Buck, Thomas Heiser, Josef Davies-Coates & Chris Smith for their support, advice and assistance.
Over to you… please go here to view the video
Going to bed with a dream, waking up with a purpose.
Seems as though I’ve just blinked and its now October! Its been a year since our first ever Gigs First, which we held whilst we were still Woolworths Kids First and since then soooo much has happened.
I think it’s useful from time to time to take stock and allow the journey to sink in. It’s been tough at times, our workloads have ramped up, fundraising has been hard.
We’ve had some fantastic news recently too in August we applied to The Media Trust for a chance to have one of their volunteer film-makers produce a short documentary about Kids First. We have now received a confirmation letter to say that we are definitely getting one made! Hopefully in early December we will be able to showcase our documentary 
I am just preparing my first ever Annual Report which I initially felt a little daunted by but now I feel so incredibly proud of everything we have done in the most difficult of circumstances.
Since February we have:
- Changed our name
- Moved house
- Designed our first ever website
- Been featured in the press
- Produced our 2nd Gigs First raising £750
- Persuaded our Trustees to run the Playground Partnerships scheme with our reserves
- Rewritten the material for Playground Partnerships
- Redesigned the website to take the PP resources wholly online
- Attended scores of pitching meetings
- Developed an ethical code to help guide us on our corporate partnerships
- Designed a Kids First partnerships brochure
- Skydived despite being terrified of heights
- Launched the Playground Partnerships Scheme nationally
- Started training for the London Marathon
- Welcomed Kath and Gos as Volunteers at Kids First
- Connected with lots of other like-minded charitable organisations
- Met with some of our 2008 Playground Partnerships winning schools
- Attended meetings at London Play and Lambeth Play Association
- Connected with Michael Norton, fundraising guru and been accepted as a “pioneer venture” for his new scheme
- Got more involved with The Hub Members Council and Charities Forum
- Produced the Red Carpet’s Little Rug
- Worked with GK Partners to produce a business plan
and more!
One thing that keeps me going above all else is the knowledge that every single day I get out of bed and get a step closer to realising the dream: to change children’s lives for the better.
Is it worth the blood, sweat, tears and terror (of falling out the sky)?
Yep!
The running continues (but somewhat in the background)
Hey there running fans! Apologies for everything going a bit quiet lately, but fear not, the running has continued although the blogging has taken a hit due to the appearance of The Red Carpet’s Little Rug and its impending work-load.
It is now 4 weeks since my much celebrated 5k race in Hyde Park on the 6th September. This was my first ever organised run (with the exception of Sports Day at school) and as most of you will know I was exceptionally chuffed with my 32 minute race time. The Adidas Ladies 5k event was a bizarre experience. I have never really been one for the ’sisterhood’ but lining up with 17, 000 other ladies did add a certain warmth to my nervous belly. I got chatting to a few fellow runners, some newbies like me and some old hands but everyone had a common goal and that was simply getting to the end. It took a while for us to all get through the start line, in fact by the time my official race started the elite athletes had already finished but as I passed through at 11.20 it felt good and the stunning Hyde Park venue added to this spectacular event.
I knew that Karl and our children were at about the 3k mark which was perfect as seeing them was a real focus for the first half of the race. The second half was definitely harder but it all felt like such a buzz that I could hardly believe it when I spotted the 4k marker and then the final stretch. Those that know me will know that I am quite emotional and cry at things that normal people wouldn’t even notice. It therefore came as no surprise to me that I did shed a tear as I ran over the finish line. I called my mum at this point and because of the emotion in my voice she misheard me and thought I said I had won! This wasn’t the case but bless her for even thinking it. Anyway as I trotted back to meet the family after the finish, I fed my diet coke addiction and life felt good. So much so that I have entered a 10k in Finsbury Park on 1st November.
I am currently running between 3 and 4 miles three times a week. This isn’t really far enough but I am still a beginner and am taking it steady although I will start upping my game soon. I am a little disappointed that I haven’t lost any weight yet but I haven’t gained any either so that’s OK. In the meantime, my son Alfie has taken up cross country at school and I like to think that I have influenced this in some way.
He has asked if he can come out running with me at weekends. Of course he can, but not if he beats me back home, that would be a step too far…
The Journey So Far, Perception & Wisdom
It’s been an interesting few weeks at the Kids First Trust, I’ve gone from an outsider to a fully fledged member of the team.
Overseeing the Playground Partnerships scheme has also been a chance for me to gain an understanding of the ‘nitty gritty’ underlying any charitable project. Often when any charity launches a campaign, as members of the public what we see and hear are the TV adverts and radio spots. Stepping ‘behind the scenes’ and into the world of press releases, website editing and internet marketing, for me, has been fascinating and at times quite testing.
I must admit there were a few times where I thought ‘Jeeez Gos, your lonnnng way from the comforts of Law School now!’
So, down to business…how is the Playground Partnerships scheme going at the moment?
Well if you asked me 4 weeks ago, my own expectations would have been rather conservative. I mean sure, there will be some interest, why wouldn’t there be?
It’s now 3 weeks since we launched Playground Partnerships for 2009/2010. The interest and feedback we’ve received from schools has been strong with registrations easily surpassing 1,000 in number.
However, what has really struck me is some of the motivation behind schools decision to enter the scheme. I mean sure, they want a chance at winning £10,000 to improve their playgrounds right? What school wouldn’t? But in the emails I’ve exchanged with teachers, governors and even PTA members, the reasoning for joining up to the scheme goes MUCH deeper.
Last week a teacher from a small primary school in the midlands contacted me. She had already registered her school, and emailed me to thank Kids First for providing the children in her school the chance to design of a new play area. She also mentioned the difficulties the school had faced in the last few years, as well as how a new playground could become a source of inspiration for the children.
That took me a second to digest….a source of inspiration?
It’s often said that life and your experiences are shaped by your perception, and in that moment my perception of what Playground Partnerships is and can be, changed. I had always thought of the scheme as worthwhile, but I had never really considered the long term benefits.
So I guess my new found wisdom leads me to ask the following question to all Parents, Teachers, Headteachers, Teaching Assistants, Governors, PTA Members and all those connected with schools globally….
‘If you could provide your students/children with the chance to take the lead in the design of something which could inspire them, as well as motivate others, for generations, would you pass that chance up?’
Well I’m off for now, all this wisdom makes me feel like brand new man…I’m going to head over to that expensive clubhouse I call the gym.
And remember, however you came to read this blog post, spread the word, let your local school know about Playground Partnerships!
Peace.
The Red Carpet’s Little Rug
During our days as Woolworths Kids First we were known for our annual flagship fundraiser Red Carpet Bash. This event was THE event of the retail calendar and we would pull out all the stops to make sure it was a show stopper extraordinaire. If there is one thing we really know how to do at Kids First, its harnessing the talent of our friends and putting on a brilliant event for a brilliant cause.
Several times the event has been entered into event awards via the production company that helped us produce it. This year things are different and we are fighting for survival in a climate where everyone is fighting for the same thing. So its no surprise that quite early on we decided that Red Carpet Bash would retire.
However, it has been a phenomenal year in many ways too and so we are arranging a fundraiser to help us – among other things – celebrate our achievements to date and provide us with a special platform to outline our plans for the future.
The future right now looks bright. Let’s hope I am right! Ladies and Gents,
Come along and help us celebrate : events@kidsfirsttrust.org
Impossible is Nothing
Debbie proved that today running 5k distance in a jaw-dropping 32 minutes! This is a lady that suffers from asthma and only started her training journey a number of weeks ago. AWESOME.
We say it all the time but I can’t say it enough. Without dedicated individuals willing to go the extra mile (or two) we would not be able to continue. So a special thanks to Debbie and a plea to all those reading this; do your bit folks. No matter how big or how small we could really do with your help.
Today marks the start of a very important week in the life of Kids First Trust.
On Tuesday we launch Playground Partnerships. It is running this year at a reduced level but we are so, so proud that we are still able to impact children’s lives despite the hardships we are facing. We have worked extremely hard redesigning the way that the scheme runs and rewriting the materials in time. It’s been a huge effort and I for one cannot wait to see how things go when we release it to the schools.
At Kids First Trust we believe that impossible is nothing. We are leading by example. Now guys, its your turn. If you want to help but aren’t sure what you want to do or can do just give us a call or send us an email. We are a really friendly bunch, honest!
The number is 020 7841 8955 or info@kidsfirsttrust.org
Speak soon 
Running at tea time – good or bad?
I am now into week 5 of my ‘training’ and last week was particularly exciting. I made the bold move from hiding in the garage and running on the treadmill to pounding the streets of Beckenham. My first run out on the streets was quite strange. I managed to do the familiar 1 1/2 miles but I did it way too fast and nearly killed myself. I was feeling very concious about bumping into somebody I knew so just ran as fast as my tiny legs would take me. It was kind of fun though, running on the familiar streets that I live within has a certain charm and it was fulfilling to run past the Moguhl Indian restaurant without going in for dinner (it did smell great though)!
Whilst at work the other day I had a moment of madness and began searching for running events that I could take part in to focus my training and give myself little goals to reach. I found the Adidas Women’s 5k which is taking place in Hyde Park on 6th September so I boldly entered online and nominated Kids First as the charity that will recieve £15 from my entrance fee. Apparently 5k equals 3.1 miles and therefore will be 11% of the full marathon. A small step but you have got to start somewhere and anyway it will make a change from dragging the kiddies around watching their Dad run around London. The running shoe will truely be on the other foot. This leads me nicely onto my footwear. Now that I have got going I visited a running shop with the purpose of buying proper supportive shoes. This was an experience in itself, running in a skirt while the lady filmed me was not the most natural of things to be doing but nevertheless, it has been done. It appears that my ankles stay quite straight when I land on my feet and therefore I left the shop with some lovely (purple & white) training shoes that offer mild support and quite a bit less money in my pocket. It’s cool though because they go with my jogging bottoms
My latest run was on Monday night. I returned from taking Alfie and Violet out for the day in London. We went on an open top bus tour, Violet’s request, and must have crossed the River Thames about 12 times experiencing at least 8 different bridges. We also spent a couple of hours in St. James’s Park where we harrassed some pigeons and played in the very lovely playground tucked away in front of Buck House. This meant that on our return home I was seriously tired out – I don’t know how full time tourists do it. Nevertheless, I was in the mood for a light jog so took to the streets again. This time I didn’t peg it so much because I felt proud instead of embarrassed at my quest and even managed to run past the end of our road to add a little extra to my route. I didn’t feel so puffed out this time but Karl said I was still bright red when I came back in the house. The legs seem ok so far though, no significant aches to speak of so maybe the expensive footwear is doing it’s job. The only thing I did learn on this one was that if you are feeling a little bit peckish, don’t run at tea time. The cooking smells that filled the air were lovely and at times quite distracting. On the other hand maybe they helped spur me on down the final leg of Balgowan Road and into my own aromatic food smelling house.
Falling, Falling … Flying?
In about 4 days time I am going to get strapped to someone and then jump out of a plane. When Debbie asked me this morning how I am feeling about it, the truth is that I haven’t had the time to think about how I am feeling. It has been so busy preparing for the launch of Playground Partnerships next month.
That’s probably a very, very good thing.
I am terrified of heights. I always have been. I do not enjoy planes, I do not like bridges and I especially do not like the idea of jumping out of one. Even if I am strapped to someone else!
So far I have managed to raise just over £600 which is great news. With giftaid this makes it £819 in total – gift aid is great I really, really want to notch it up to £1,000 which would allow me to allocate this money straight into one of the Awards we give to a primary school next year.
If you think you might have a spare £5 please don’t hesitate – the money is going straight into helping children make their dreams come true. I will write to you and let you know exactly which school got your kind donation.
You can make a donation here.
I am told the sensation of falling turns very quickly into one of a surreal flying-type experience. The adrenalin rush is great and who knows… maybe my Dad is right and by confronting my fear I may just conquer it.
New Kid on the Block…
The first day, a new beginning or perhaps the start of something wonderful?
I’m Gosbert and I’ve recently joined Kids First where I’ll be helping out with the running of the Playground Partnerships scheme. I’ll be blogging regularly in order to keep you up to date with my activities, thoughts and general updates on all things Kids First Trust(ish).
But what brought me here to the Kids First Trust? chance? Intention? Or how about some good ol’ fashioned luck? To be honest it was a combination of all three. My undergraduate years at University were spent studying Law, and as expected the next ‘logical’ step was to become a lawyer right? Well, not exactly……
After graduating I spent time abroad working, as well as getting involved in various bits and pieces revolving around community action/legal work. But what really hit me after graduating was a conversation I had with an ex schoolmate, he’d been through a hard time and left school with a handful of poor GCSE grades. In our conversation he said to me ‘Gosbert, everything is okay for you, you’re well smart’. That statement got me thinking, I don’t consider myself smart, if someone sets me a task, yes I’ll work hard at it, but I’ve never thought of myself as having ‘super duper’ brain capacity!
Then I realized it wasn’t intelligence that set me and my friend apart, what separated us were choices, choices which in many cases were made for us. This inspired me, in such a way the thought of practicing Law had never done before. I scoured the net and began volunteering with organizations that aimed not only to improve young people’s lives, but also worked towards ensuring every young person has the chance to truly reach their potential.
Through the use of Playground Partnerships and other related schemes, I hope I can assist Kids First Trust in providing those chances, as well as those choices, of which so many young people are denied. Building key skills, developing confidence and providing a platform from which all young people have a chance to shine is what motivates me, nothing more, nothing less.
Kids First Team
Until Next Time!
Gosbert.
