Help fight poverty – Islington Giving

I WANT to tell readers about Islington Giving, a unique campaign to raise £3million over three years to fight poverty and create opportunity for residents.  

It is finding new ways to tackle poverty by investing in young people, confronting isolation and promoting volunteering.  

We aim to raise the profile of the needs of Islington and invest in organisations that can effect change. Since launching in September 2010, we have raised £1m through the generosity of Islington people and charitable trusts. A huge success and there is much to celebrate but much more to do.

Islington is a place of extremes where London’s richest and poorest residents live side-by-side, living entirely different lives. While it is home to some of the wealthiest people in Europe and next door to some of the most successful businesses in the country, it has the second highest level of child poverty in the UK.

Islington Giving has already invested more than £200,000 to support local groups. One of our partners, UnLtd, has given awards totalling £25,000 to social entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact in their community. We have set up new ways of businesses giving time to Islington.

Islington Giving  knows we can do more and needs the support of residents, businesses and the community to take the campaign forward. We are asking residents to:

• give money to the campaign; 
• host fundraising events;
• give time to Islington by volunteering with local groups; and
• apply to the UnLtd challenge supporting individuals passionate about making a positive difference for Islington. 

We would be delighted to talk to residents who can build on Islington Giving’s success. Contact us on 0207 014 5999, email mail@islingtongiving.org.uk or go to www.islingtongiving.org.uk.
Kristina Glenn
Director, Cripplegate Foundation

Published: 15th July, 2011