Another great year for SmileForJoel
What a year it’s been here at Smile For Joel. We’ve achieved so much, raised huge amounts of money, and had a lot of fun while doing it.
As we prepare to say goodbye to this year and head toward 2023, it feels appropriate to look back at all we’ve managed to achieve in the past 12 months.
Making it to the finals of the Make a Difference Awards hosted by BBC Radio WM was a real achievement for us, and we’re so proud of all the fundraisers who helped this happen!
It was a real honour to make the final four, and we’d like to send out a massive congratulations to local hero Blind Dave Heeley from the Albion Foundation who won the fundraiser category.
Smile For Joel are a local charity giving support to families across the UK. Our families cases are very sensitive and heartbreaking but we would like to share a few with you.
Families we have helped
Ben aged 5, lost his mom in a violent domestic attack. Three homes and three schools later he is now settled and living with his aunty and uncle. They asked Smile For Joel if they could provide a family weekend break at Legoland. Their wish was granted.
Two children aged 2 and 3, lost their dad who was murdered in May 2017. They asked for colouring books and crayons for Christmas and clothes vouchers for mom. Smile For Joel provided these gifts.
A sister lost her brother who was murdered. He was the father figure to her and her four young children. They asked for tickets to Alton Towers. Smile For Joel were happy to help.
A son was murdered by blunt trauma leaving two young children. Their grandparents wanted to take them to Blackpool in the New Year for the first time. Smile For Joel granted their wish.
Safety before a Sales and Travel Aware
If you haven’t seen it already from our social media, we are now official partners with Travel Aware. It’s amazing to be involved in this great FCDO government scheme, and together we can help raise awareness of holiday safety when you are on your holiday. This is something that has been close to Suzy’s heart since the reason Smile For Joel began.
The promotional campaign will help you with travel advice, email alerts, finding the right travel insurance policy, mental well-being when abroad, and even advice for when moving abroad on a more permanent basis.
If you’re planning a holiday, thinking of travelling more extensively, or even living in another country, then visit https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/ to find out everything you need to know.
As you all know, Joel at just 19 was a level 4 referee and well on his way to become premier level when his life was tragically cut short. In memory of Joel, we are so pleased and proud to launch the Joel Richards Development Fund which has recently been introduced. This is a bursary so that developing referees between the age of 16-24 can be provided with everything they need to aid their progression. The aim is for career advancement so that the fund can help develop top-level referees.
With the support of the Referees’ Association, the fund can provide anything from kit and flags to funding annual membership with the RA.
All you need to be eligible is to be aged 16-24 and to have been a member of the Referee’s Association for at least two years.
To apply, go to https://www.the-ra.org/news/joel-richards-development-fund-application-form.
With Christmas fast approaching, why not help a great cause and get your loved ones presents at the same time?
We have new Smile Bags and Smile For Joel caps available so you can look sharp while you support Smile For Joel, as well as our existing hoodies, T-shirts, and running vests so you can support us whatever the weather.
Go to https://smileforjoel.com/shop to check out all we have to offer.
