A couple of years ago, Strictly star and TV presenter Dan Walker was listening to a charity auction on a national radio station in the back of a taxi. There was a money can’t buy prize available and the bidding started at just £1. The value quickly went up and, within a few minutes, it was at £1,500,000. The £1 bidder had no chance.
“What’s the point of that?” the taxi driver, who was also listening in, asked. “They would be better off getting everyone to donate a quid and then do a raffle. At least then everyone gets to be involved.”
That got Dan thinking. Surely there was a way that £1 could make a difference – a way that £1 could go a long way. This is the way.
Dan got together with Arnie Singh from City Taxis, Melinda Schofield from Hallam FM and Steve Manley, md of Universal Office Products and past president of Sheffield Chamber. and the idea of the Sheffield 1000 was born.
“We wanted to come up with a plan to support local people and organisations in the simplest way possible” Dan said. “We all know how brilliant the people of Sheffield are so we wanted to see if we could get 1000 people each donating £1 a week. All that money would go to support local charities and good causes with a £1000 donation every week of the year”.
Arnie Singh said: “Sheffielders have big hearts and are always keen to help and support each other. There has never been a better time to do that and this is an opportunity to do it in a really simple and effective way with just £1 a week.”
Steve Manley said: “We want as many people as possible to be involved. If we get more than 1000 then we’ll aim for 2000. You can sign up through our website and then, once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to nominate your own charity or good cause which could then be chosen by our independent funding panel.”
Melinda Schofield added: “The beauty of this is that everyone just gives a pound. You can do it as an individual, as a family, as a class at your school or through your business. We’ll keep you updated on where all that money goes and you get to see the difference it makes to your local community.
Dan Walker is urging people to get involved in the initiative wherever they can.
He said: “We feel this is something that the good people of Sheffield can embrace and get behind. We would love you to join the Sheffield 1000 and start making a difference in a city we all love.”
For any more information please visit www.thesheffield1000.org
