The Birmingham Mail Charity Trust - a name to trust since 1888

Apr 3 2008

The Birmingham Mail Charity Trust today launches an exciting appeal to raise £100,000 for good causes across the city.Reporter CHRIS HENWOOD looks at its proud history and explains how you can help the charity and how it may be able to help you.

WHEN big-hearted Birmingham Mail readers dished out £25 and 15 shillings to make sure poorly youngsters at the Children's Hospital had a Christmas tree in 1889, they would never have dreamt how their efforts would kick-start a much loved city institution.

Because the deep pockets of those first Victorian donors helped set up the Birmingham Mail Christmas Tree Fund.

A proud history of giving to those in need has seen the fund, renamed Birmingham Mail Charity Trust in 2002, give out well over £2 million to worthy causes across the city in the past 120 years.

And that is set to continue with renewed vigour thanks to the appointment of a fund-raising manager - the first in the registered charity's history - in Gordon Creese.

"Fund-raising should be fun and satisfying, as well as helping those less advantaged than ourselves," said Gordon, whose involvement in charity work stretches back a quarter of a century.

He has spent the last dozen years as special events manager with BEN - the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.

"I'm not a born and bred Brummie, but I look upon myself as an adopted one having lived here since 1964," added Gordon.

"And while it was enjoyable and fulfilling to work for a national charity, I'm looking forward to raising funds that will be distributed within the greater Birmingham area."

In 1969, fund organisers had their sights set on raising £22,500 and they were helped to that target by the cash generating ideas of Birmingham folk.

Among the generous givers then were anonymous city centre "office girls" who sent in the £1 contents of their swear box and a Great Barr darts league which threw in £12.

Today, current Birmingham Mail readers can now play their part to help the Trust hit a £100,000 fund-raising target.

Maybe send the Trust what's in your office swear box or be more adventurous and do a sponsored abseil down a tall building? Or even better, come up with your own ideas, but let us know so we can try to be there to capture the fun.

For our part, the Birmingham Mail will keep readers up to date with weekly reports on events, donations and even your memories of the Trust, its important work and fund-raising activities.