COMMUNITY GROUPS IN EAST LONDON BENEFIT FROM LONDON 2012 SPONSOR - ARCELORMITTAL

Immediately following the huge success of the Olympic Games, East London Community Foundation received a cash donation for the "East London Legacy 2012" fund, together with more than 100 items of practically new high quality furniture to be distributed to community groups in East London where it would be most beneficial and have the greatest impact. This donation was received from the global steel and mining company ArcelorMittal, one of the sponsors of London 2012 and the company that built the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower on the Olympic Park. The high quality furniture had been used for two weeks in ArcelorMittal's hospitality suite at the Renaissance St. Pancras Hotel in London during the Olympic games.

The furniture has benefited six community groups across East London and has immediately impacted on 300+ low income, elderly and disadvantaged people. The six beneficiaries were: Friends of One NE, 4 Betteh, Barnmead Court Resident's Association, RAMFEL, Havering Women's Aid Refuge and the OK Foundation.

Jacquelyn Caulker, Director of 4 Betteh said: ArcelorMittal's furniture donation is proof of their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and left us with a legacy from the Olympics held in East London. Our thanks are extended to ArcelorMittal for their generosity.

Christina Omideyi, Chair of OK Foundation said: The donation could not have come at a better time. What is more, having a complete set of such high quality furniture, all in one go, was more than Christmas coming early and has made a real difference to other's lives.

Jo Blackledge, Friends of One NE said: We are extremely grateful. In short, the new chairs and tables will be used to facilitate recovery and growth of both current and ex clients. The tables and chairs are a wonderful addition to help the work we do, up to 40 clients use the Centre on a daily basis.

Michael Bradley, Chair of Barnmead Court Residen's Association said: Thank you so much for the kindness shown to our elderly people in donating this almost brand new furniture, it is really appreciated and has made their lives a little brighter, easier and safer. It is reassuring to know that there are some good people out there thinking about the elderly.

Rita Chadha, Director of RAMFEL (Redbridge) said: Mary, aged 68, came into the UK 11 years from the Gabia where as a political activist she was forced to leave her children and friends behind. She has waited 11 years for a decision on her case whilst living in absolute destitution, she was finally granted leave earlier this year. Mary is living in a shared house, with a family and has no privacy. The furniture will help make Mary feel that bit more comfortable and settled and offer an opportunity to experience the generous side of the British personality, it has restored her faith in the British people.

Joanne Calcott, Manager of Havering Women's Aid Refuge (Havering) said: We have refurbished the communal space in the Refuge so that many residents can benefit. The new armchairs are really appreciated by the mothers and children. We are now going to repaint this area to give a fresh modern look to match the bright colours of the armchairs. Dining tables have been replaced int he flats and the cream chairs are being utilised in our counselling room. Residents of Refuge has said how much of an improvement this has made to living there, they feel more able to relax in comfort. The Garden furniture has been used for the outside spaces and the children have benefited as mums are more likely to sit with them whilst they play.

The substatial monetary donation received from ArcelorMittal will be added to the "East London Legacy 2012" fund which will leave a legacy for community groups in East London. It will be used to support future grants to small, local voluntary groups in need of funds to continue their vital work.

DONATE TO CELEBRATE

By Text: For donations up to £10 text ELCF12 £10 to 70070

Online: To donate up to £1,000 online at localgiving.com click here

By Cheque: We can receive cheques, payable to East London Community Foundation, at our office. Please complete a donation form and send it with your cheque.

In 2012, the eyes of the world are on East London like never before as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, 60 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign and East London hosts the world's major sporting event this summer, the Olympic and Paralympics. Let's celebrate in style and make it truly special for everyone living in East London.

Together we can make a massive difference - not just for today but by raising funds to leave a lasting legacy for this area.

The fund will be used to support future grants to small, local community and voluntary groups in need of funds to continue their vital work providing support and services to those who need them most on our doorsteps.

The East London Legacy 2012 fund will ensure that these huge national and historic events held in 2012 will leave a lasting legacy not only for now but for many years to come. It will help us to address the deeply ingrained issues of above-average poverty, deprivation and disadvantage faced in this local community.

What can you do?

  • Tell your friends and family about the East London Legacy 2012 fund
  • Raise money for this legacy by holding an event
  • Make a donation as an individual, business or organisation
  • Nominate this legacy as your chosen charity

What's the target?

  • The population of East London is over 2 million. If everyone in the area donated just 10p for every year of the Queen's reign, or £6 each, it could potentially raise £12m.
  • There are around 90,500 businesses in East London, if every business raised just £10 for every year of the Queen's reign or £600 each it could potentially raise £54.3m

Together we could potentially create a lasting legacy of £60m to mark this historical year.

Support for East London Legacy 2012

Jon Cruddas MP - Dagenham & Rainham

"Community Foundations are renowned all over the UK for benefiting communities suffering from high levels of poverty, unemployment and deprivation. The East London Community Foundation provides a mechanism for greatly needed investment in local community and voluntary groups who will suffer from cuts to local government budgets. 2012 is already a great year for East London as we celebrate the Olympics coming to our City, and the potential benefits to the community as a result of the opportunities presented by the ELCF help make the legacy of this year even more prevalent to the people of this community."

Rt.Hon Margaret Hodge MP - Barking

"I am happy giving my full support to this initiative by East London Community Foundation for the work they are doing to create a lasting legacy to support future grants to small, local community and voluntary groups in need of funds. What a great way to celebrate this remarkable and historic year!"

Lee Scott MP - Redbridge

"This initiative will leave a lasting legacy of this great year and I am happy to endorse the work being carried out and the lasting help it gives"

Rt.Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP - Chingford

"ELCF offers much-needed financial support to several charities of which I am a Patron. Financial support has been given to One North East to provide funding for weekend workshops on such worthwhile subjects as self-esteem, a central issue in alcohol abuse. Carefree Kids, based in Waltham Forest have also been awarded a grant to provide therapeutic play sessions and arts therapies to deeply troubled children and young people. These are just two of the worthwhile charities, in the Borough, that have benefited from ELCF. ELCF provide funding for many other causes in the Borough and that is why I fully support the East London Legacy 2012 campaign."

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Building Endowment for East Londonast London Community Foundation is an independent registered charity covering London boroughs across East and North East London.East

East London Community Foundation’s aim is to improve the quality of life of local people and of people living in London as a whole. We do this by encouraging local giving. Our focus is on building better and stronger communities for future generations.

We have two key roles:
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We act as a bridge between donors and local good causes – local groups and voluntary sector charities ensuring that grants are used to address real needs, problems and issues.

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MAKE A DONATION ONLINE

You can make a donation to ELCF or a contribution to one of our Funds, online, directly through one of the following websites: BmyCharity or Localgiving.com or Charities Aid Foundation. Or you can select a local charity near you to support through Localgiving.com. Your donation will make a big difference to local community groups in East London.