During this past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Glasgow Children's Hospital, Scotland's largest children’s hospital, dedicating nine weeks of my time to spearhead the conceptualization and execution of fundraising events for the charity. In this role, my primary responsibility was to ensure the seamless organization of planned events while also infusing fresh, innovative ideas into their fundraising strategies. These events, more than just monetary endeavours, serve as vital channels through which the hospital secures funds for projects that ultimately enhance the quality of care and services provided to children and their families.

Our overarching objective extended beyond merely accumulating funds; it encompassed raising awareness for Glasgow Children's Hospital as a beacon of support for those in need. Our events were thoughtfully designed to cater to children, creating an atmosphere where parents could witness the pure joy on their children's faces while contributing to other young patients' well-being. By orchestrating these events, we aimed to secure financial resources and imbue the community with a profound understanding of where to turn when they require compassionate and specialized care for their children. This dual mission, both philanthropic and outreach-oriented, underscores the holistic impact we aspired to achieve – not only enhancing the hospital's financial health but also ensuring that families across Scotland know where to seek solace and support when faced with healthcare challenges.

My initial aim in the project was to train and enhance my leadership skills. This journey taught me the value of adaptive communication, tailoring my message to different audiences, whether engaging with the charity, coordinating with the team, or conversing with the families and children we aimed to support. Organizational skills played a pivotal role in orchestrating successful fundraising events. I meticulously planned each event, considering numerous scenarios and ensuring every aspect was well-coordinated. I was always prepared to handle urgent situations that occasionally arose, such as resolving family arguments or comforting upset children at Flamingo Beach. These swift and effective responses emphasized the importance of quick, thoughtful decision-making and maintaining composure under pressure. Furthermore, I learned that leadership often involves strategic and on-the-spot decision-making. Proactively seeking and embracing innovative ideas, such as the Art Corner Proposal at Flamingo Beach and the introduction of new games at Alexandre Park, demonstrated the significance of creativity in leadership. My leadership abilities evolved through effective communication, organization, and thoughtful decision-making. These skills go beyond fundraising; they inspire, unite, and make a lasting impact on the community. My leadership philosophy now centres on holistic leadership, aiming to create a positive, enduring influence on those we support.

Flamingo Beach

My primary focus centers on the Flamingo Beach project, a summer sand playground situated within the bustling Silverburn shopping center. It provides children with a space for fun and offers parents a respite during their shopping excursions. In its inaugural year, my role involved comprehensive preparations, including site construction and implementing a charging system. I organized children's activities, registered family information, distributed wristbands, and ensured the smooth operation of the beach.

To our astonishment, Flamingo Beach swiftly became the charity's most popular endeavour, attracting over 800 children in a single day at its peak. We actively listened to families' feedback, making necessary improvements to enhance the beach's offerings.

Drawing inspiration from my own childhood memories of mall visits, I conceived the Art Corner Proposal, an innovative addition aimed at enriching the Flamingo Beach experience. This proposal, rooted in nostalgia and creativity, received enthusiastic endorsement from Will, the head of the fundraising team. His approval assures me that this imaginative concept will be implemented next year at Flamingo Beach, solidifying its status as a beloved community resource and underscoring our charity's commitment to serving families with care and innovation.

SC Design Fundraiser

We collaborated with SC Design in Bishopbriggs to host an event that brought families from the local neighbourhood together for a day of enjoyment and community bonding. This event was thoughtfully crafted to offer a delightful blend of games and delectable food, creating an inviting atmosphere for families to partake in. As a part of this heartwarming endeavor, I assumed the responsibility of overseeing our dedicated stand and tending to the well-being of the children in attendance.

One of the most gratifying aspects of this event was witnessing the genuine curiosity that the children displayed about our charity and its projects. It became my role to engage with these young minds, explaining to them the profound impact of our charity's initiatives and how their involvement directly contributed to helping other children and families in need. It was truly heartwarming to see the children themselves express their compassion by crafting beautiful cards, a simple yet touching gesture that held the power to uplift spirits in the hospital.

The success of our event was a testament to the unity and generosity of our community. Drawing in more than half of the town's families, the event became a focal point for kindness and love to permeate through the hearts of people. It exemplified the remarkable impact that even a single event can have in fostering a sense of togetherness and spreading awareness of our charity's mission. These experiences reaffirmed my commitment to raising funds and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and empathy within our community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. 

Alexandre Park

Throughout the vibrant summer season, our local park comes alive with a myriad of festivals, each offering affordable and family-friendly activities for the nearby townsfolk to revel in. Our charity saw an opportunity to engage with the community through these festivals. Taking charge of this endeavour, I undertook the responsibility of setting up our charity's stand, transforming it into a hub of excitement that would captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike.

My role extended beyond the physical setup; I was tasked with crafting innovative and enjoyable games that would beckon children to join in the fun. These activities became not just avenues for amusement but also opportunities to spark conversations about our charity's noble mission. Games like drawing raffles and intriguing guessing games became instant hits, and the children's enthusiasm was palpable. As they played and interacted, I took the chance to engage with festivalgoers, chatting with them about our charity's initiatives and the remarkable impact of their support.

The response from the community was heartening, and our stand became a focal point of laughter and camaraderie. Families and individuals from all walks of life congregated, their shared enjoyment and the knowledge that they were contributing to a worthy cause created a palpable sense of unity. The success of this event was reflected not only in the joyful faces of the children but also in the fact that we nearly sold out all the items we had brought, furthering our charity's mission and spreading awareness about the incredible work we do. This experience reaffirmed the power of community engagement and the immense potential that festivals like the Alexandre Park Festival offer in bringing people together for a common cause.