Islington Giving charity hailed as Big Society inspiration

Published: 27th May, 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

THE borough’s flagship charity, Islington Giving, is helping to inspire Prime Minister David Cameron’s vision of the Big Society, it was revealed this week. 

A government White Paper which accompanied Mr Cameron’s speech on philanthropy on Monday highlighted the work of the Islington charity.

The White Paper described Islington Giving as a “unique coalition of businesses, funders, residents and community organisations aiming to find new ways for Islington residents to give money and time to improve the lives of the poorest and most isolated residents”.

Kristina Glenn, of Cripplegate Foundation, which backs Islington Giving, said: “I am delighted that people outside the borough are praising the excellent work of our donors and volunteers. I am particularly pleased that the government is rejecting the lazy stereotype that Islington is a home for the wealthy, and recognising that it faces some of the worst poverty in Britain.”

A four-day Bible reading is being staged on Islington Green next month in aid of Islington Giving. 

Islington Reads the Bible Celebration will start on Thursday, June 9, at 9.30am and continue until the last reader gets to the last line on the evening of the following Sunday.

Organiser Margaret Evans said the Bible had inspired social reform and emancipation and played a part in spreading literacy and education. 

You can donate to Islington Reads the Bible by visiting www.islingtongiving.org.uk