OUT OF AFRIKA
In keeping with our general ethos of putting people first, we decided in 2005 to commit ourselves to a particular charity project. Having searched for something worthwhile, with a direct involvement and a guarantee that our money would go straight to the cause, we found a small charity known as Out of Afrika which was looking for a funder to build a training college in the Thika province in Kenya. The cost of the building was in the region of £48,000. In Northern Irish terms this is a ridiculously small sum of money to build a school. The equivalent cost here for an average primary school would be £2m. Nonetheless, the £48,000 required some fund-raising and some major team effort.
Fund-raising has ranged from weekly efforts such as home baking and raffles to fun runs, cinema nights and drinks parties for clients and colleagues. Indeed we now run an annual reception for our clients and colleagues and their generosity never fails to inspire us all. Our staff is committed to Payroll Giving, a government tax free scheme for charity donations taken directly from salary. At the time of writing we have raised over £50,000! Now that the college is up and running we continue to support salaries, maintenance costs and other financial needs arising from this thriving school.
If you would like to make a donation to this excellent cause, please send cheques to our office address, made payable to Out Of Afrika. You can also find out more details about the charity at its own website - www.outofafrika.org.
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Music Theatre 4 youth
"We help young people explore possibilities, challenge themselves and give them the opportunity to realise their full music theatre potential"
"It widens horizons and forges friendships across social and community divides"
Edwards & Co began its sponsorship of MT4Uth in 2008. This unique charitable organisation provides talented, local young people with the opportunity to develop their skills and experience the thrill of performing on a grander stage than would normally be available to them.
The Firm sponsor two "Masterclasses" each year. These classes are taught by musical directors, voice coaches, performers and other professionals with experience of working in both the West End and film. Past pupils of these classes include Niamh Perry, finalist in the BBC's "I'd Do Anything" and the new Sophie in the West End production of Mamma Mia, and Jayne Wisener who was plucked from an MT4Uth performance to star alongside Jonny Depp in Sweeney Todd.
Edwards & Co prides itself in making a contribution to the development of the Arts in Northern Ireland, with particular focus on young people from all backgrounds.
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