Here at Magpie, we are passionate about creating innovative, good cause campaigns and are inspired by transforming lives, enhancing society and really making a difference.
For Valentine’s Day this year, we decided to share with you some of the important charities we hold close to our hearts.
Anna – British Heart Foundation
My chosen cause is the British Heart Foundation. It is a cause close to me, as my friend’s 6 month old baby has recently had a heart operation and is recovering well, all which would not have been possible without all the amazing research the charity does.
justgiving.com/britishheartfoundation
Josh – Foundation UK
After working with them over the past year and a half with Magpie, I always feel inspired and proud of the amazing work they do to get vulnerable people within our communities back on their feet. Foundation provides valuable and innovative support services that grow the potential that’s inside everyone, no matter their background.
Alex – Mind
My chosen cause is Mind, a mental health charity who work so hard on removing the stigma and normalise mental health so it’s easier to acknowledge!
Eleanor – Knit Aid
Knit Aid allows knitters to use their skills and love of knitting to help others. The idea is that people donate their knitting – blankets, hats, scarves, and cosy jumpers – and these items go directly to where they are needed, helping refugees stay warm worldwide.
Myles – CALM
I have chosen CALM as I think men’s mental health is a huge issue that many people still overlook and many of my male friends have struggled and continue to struggle in silence.
I don’t know what the solution is, but I try to be open, understanding and a mindful friend to those who need an ear. Don’t underestimate the little things we can all do to make a big difference!
Lizzie – Blurt
Blurt is a social enterprise that helps people who are affected by depression. They do loads of amazing work to create positive social change and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This includes increasing general understanding of depression through their blogs, seasonal content and resources, as well as reaching out to people suffering from depression with comforting words and advice. They also put together ‘BuddyBoxes’ that are full of resources to help people self-care.
Mental health isn’t talked about nearly enough, and many people still feel ashamed to admit they’re struggling. Blurt work with a range of organisations to spark discussions around depression to encourage people to reach out for help and find comfort knowing they’re not alone.
Alice – Bloodwise
Bloodwise raise awareness and support for blood cancers including Leukaemia and Lymphoma. I have chosen them because charities like Bloodwise are often not given as much recognition as ‘big’ cancer charities such as Cancer Research – but are of course, just as important! It is a cause that is very close to my heart as my cousin suddenly passed away at the age of 20 from Leukaemia which he was never diagnosed with. Bloodwise do lots of research to help people recognise the symptoms of blood cancer and support patients through treatment.
Rebecca – Myeloma UK
Myeloma is a cancer which arises from plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is made in the bone marrow.
My grandad unfortunately passed away from Myeloma when I was younger and I never understood what it was. Since then I’ve supported Myeloma UK as it’s the only charity dealing exclusively with this type of cancer to better the quality of people’s lives.
Becky – Young Enterprise
Young Enterprise work with young people to support them to develop the employability skills they need, as well as delivering enterprise and financial education programmes in schools, colleges and universities. I have chosen this cause as I think it’s really important to give young people the confidence and belief in their ideas!
Ged – Ronald McDonald House
I lost my niece to a rare form of Leukaemia when she was just 4 years old and it all happened so quickly. I always support children’s charities who help families with sick or terminal children and I am on the board of a charity called ‘Cash for Kids’. Today I wanted to mentioned Ronald McDonald House as a cause I hold close to my heart. The pennies that go in the collection pots on each counter provided my family with free accommodation on the hospital site which allowed us to be close to my niece during the final weeks of her life. Every second was precious so the service they provided meant a lot.
If you are inspired by this story, you can donate to RMHC here: justgiving.com/rmhc