A charity dedicated to creating a lasting legacy for smaller charities and community groups says its strength and success is down to the generosity of local businesses.

The Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Smile Foundation re-launched its brand and purpose at a special event for its many supporters at the University of Hull.

Dozens of the charity’s corporate partners and supporters turned out for the event, which detailed how it has generated £1.5 million of community investment, and helped more than 500 charities and projects, thanks to businesses across Hull and the East Riding over the past seven years.

The Smile Foundation, based at Gosschalks Solicitors in Hull city centre, provides support by offering advice, time, materials and ensuring charities and groups have the foundations to enjoy long and healthy futures.

Charity manager Andy Barber said: “At the heart of what we do is working hard and not expecting handouts from anybody, not looking at people as a donor or a cheque book, but building relationships.

“We have never relied on statutory funding and only ever hold a maximum of nine months’ running costs in our bank. We have developed our own model and generated more than £1.5 million. We have a very clear route to success and access to support through Smile.

“We never underestimate the value of local businesses. They give us the energy, the passion and the enthusiasm.

“People talk about corporate social responsibility (CSR). That’s important and we should have it. But through Smile, we have positive community action (PCA). We get credit for what we do but really it’s the businesses who make it easy.”

The Smile Foundation used the event to launch its new website and communicate clear messages about the work it does, focusing on how it creates fun, innovative and memorable ways for businesses to get involved and feel like they have made a difference, not just a donation.

The charity’s core fundraising initiatives including Boss Behind Bars and Devil’s Kitchen, alongside projects including Smile by the Sea, which provides short breaks for families facing difficult circumstances, the Vault, which provides equipment for community groups to raise their own funds, the community hub, which offers a base to three charities, and charity surgeries offering advice and support to groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It also carries out contracted works, which includes working with acute and community health providers to make the most of their charitable funds in a structured way.

Speaking at the event, Jim Dick OBE, Smile Foundation chairman and High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, said: “This is starting to make us one of the ‘go to’ charities in the area. But at the heart of it is people like you who have supported us and we are very proud of those relationships.

“Recently, we have stepped back to look at where we are, where we could be and what we need to do to get there. We have always been about giving charities a voice. But sometimes, in our quest to give the charities a voice, we are not looking at our impact.

“That initial £14,000 available when the Smile Foundation first started has turned into £1.5 million, so there’s a big need for us to articulate who we are and what we stand for.”

Hull communications agency H&H, with director Helen Bissett sitting on the Smile board of trustees, stepped in to help the Smile Foundation communicate its message through a new website, branding and marketing materials.

The company has supported the charity for years, taking part in events and various activities to generate funds, as well as giving time.

Helen said: “We have enjoyed every minute of our partnership with Smile, whether it’s on the board or getting involved in one of their mad fundraising ideas. It has an unparalleled approach to fundraising and people don’t feel like they are giving money because they have so much fun.

“Smile captures people’s imaginations. But at the heart of the charity is communication, dedication and professionalism. Smile is unique and for all the smiles that Smile has given us over the years, we wanted to give some of that back.”

 

Smile has also set up a new platform of support called the Launch Pad, which will see three charities receive seven months of support direct from Smile and its backers, with the aim of giving them a starting point to grow and make every penny go further.

John Nicholson and Barry Cooper of Men in Sheds, which has been set up in north Hull to combat isolation and loneliness among men, told supporters how the Smile Foundation and its corporate supporters have helped them to secure and transform new premises, paving the way to welcome more members.

John said: “We started two years ago and without Smile, I don’t think we would be anywhere near where we are now. They have given us everything from contacts to meeting rooms. Without them, we would still be struggling.”

The Smile Foundation said its aim is to bring good intentions to life and deliver on its promises, while providing guidance, advice and support on all things charitable.

Jim said: “We are very proud of what we have done and very excited about what we are going to do. We have a very bright future and a great story to communicate.”

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the Hull and East Riding community, the past year has seen:

• 10,000 local people in need directly benefit
• 400 Smile by the Sea breaks provided
• 2,500 runners raise more than £75,000 for charities via the Humber Bridge Half Marathon
• £10,000 of funding for local sports initiatives
• 40 charity surgeries
• Healthy eating days delivered for more than 600 children
• Start-up funding for two local charities totalling more than £25,000
• 400 charity and community group events supported and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment provided
• Funding secured for defibrillators and placed in 28 locations
• A community pantomime for more than 1,000 guests
• 6,000 volunteer hours from local businesses for charity and community groups
• More than £100,000 of gifts in kind for the community
• 1,000 pieces of equipment hired from Smile’s Vault

For more information about the Smile Foundation, contact the Smile team.