Mike McKenny, one of our regular film contributors would like to let everyone know about the Joshua Project’s 5th Birthday Celebrations – Friday 21st September 7.30pm. This is the charity that has given him the opportunity to restore and launch The Plaza Cinema in Bradford
Hello Culture Vultures, you may have heard already about the restoration of The Plaza Cinema that we’re currently working hard at. I’d just like to share with you all some details on what else the children and young people charity are up to this month, in what is their fifth year of operation since founding in September 2007. Hopefully the below information will perfectly frame how important this cinema project is and how many fantastic things it can achieve in the community. As the cinema, in addition to being a fully operational cinema welcoming all through its doors, will be able to use film to assist with everything the project already excels at.
Despite a tough economic climate, the project strives to, and has succeeded at, supporting children and young people who often find themselves struggling, blocked from accessing opportunities and hope because of circumstances beyond their own control.
They have a host of information, advice and guidance services. They deliver educational support prorgammes in partnership with local schools for children and young people who find themselves at risk of disaffection. They support services for young people who have engaged in, or are at risk of engaging in, criminal activity. Plus they hold recreation activities every night of the week, a family support service, employability training, health advice and guidance and a parent and toddler support service.
The Joshua Project invites all to enjoy their fifth birthday celebrations with them.
The 5th Birthday Challenge – #5thBirthdayChallenge
The project’s CEO, Rich Jones has been training hard for what promises to be a gruelling 5 days. To raise sponsorship for, and awareness of, the work of the project, Rich will be cycling and running 500 miles over 5 days!! Over 4 days he will cycle from Bradford to London and back up to Wakefield covering 474 miles. He will complete the challenge on the fifth day by running 26 miles from Wakefield to Bradford, arriving at the fifth birthday party on September 21st (details on the party below)
Rich says, “I am taking on this challenge to celebrate the 5 years of impact that the Joshua Project has had on the lives of children, young people and their families. Our determination to press on has resulted in long lasting transformation and continuing opportunities for change in many people’s lives. Generating finances from private giving and ongoing sponsorship has been vital in helping us to respond directly to the needs that children, young people and their families present. This challenge is designed to once again raise the profile of the hope-giving work that we do as well as to draw in much needed money to sustain and develop the work.”
The Party
You can be part of the celebrations on Friday 21st September, 7.30pm – Late @ My Impact Centre, Cross Lane, Bradford, BD7 3JT. The evening will include a hot buffet, bar, entertainment, the arrival of Rich from his #5thbirthdaychallenge , special celebrity guests, stories of impact and the launch of their ‘community opportunities’ programme. Tickets for this event are £15 per person. If you book a table of 8 you will get one ticket free. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!
I’ll be there, talking about the impact that this cinematic opportunity has had on me, and how I can use it to impact the lives of many others. Hope to see some of you there.
You can book tickets at www.joshuaproject.org.uk/5years, or by emailinginfo@joshuaproject.org.uk or by calling 0845 8052194.