At the start of 2018, Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) Birmingham branch chose BRIB as the charity they would like to support this year. The group, who meet each month, like to engage with small, local charities where their support can really make a difference, so it was great to hear they had chosen us.
Throughout the year, the sponsorship from their monthly meetings is used to support the charity, and Sarah (from QAC) and Michelle (from Focus) have attended the breakfast meetings and networked with members. At the December event they were presented with a cheque for £750. It has been a great example of collaboration, where they have promoted the work of BRIB and the individual charities we work with, and the great work we all do for people with vision impairment.
Sarah and Michelle also delivered some activities where members got to experience what it is like with a vision impairment, using simulation specs, sleep shades, canes and colour contrast ‘games’ – something which members really seemed to enjoy and appreciate.
As part of FBE’s support, we were invited to run a raffle at their December events – which Michelle and Sarah were more than happy to do! Thanks to generous donations from across the city including Birmingham City FC, Just the Tonic Comedy Loft, Delta Force Paintballing and Glee Club we had some great prizes to offer. These, along with a signed football from West Bromwich Albion FC which was used as a silent auction lot, meant over £300 was raised at these events alone.
Michelle and Sarah also enjoyed attending the group’s Christmas social where they spoke to more members about the work we do and gave attendees small Christmas goody bags, featuring our BRIB special edition replica vans.