Women in Philanthropy Annual Film Premiere 2019 at Curve, Leicester

Women in Philanthropy celebrated the finale of its third year with a red carpet film premiere at Curve, Leicester, hosted by Dr Maggie Philbin OBE. Women in Philanthropy (WiP) selects three local charities to support each year, focusing on “unsung, unseen” groups working hard but quietly to keep our city and counties safe and thriving. Attended by 130 guests, the event was a great success, and featured short films sponsored and produced by De Montfort University for WiP’s 2016-17 charities: The Bridge – Homelessness to Hope; New Futures, which helps vulnerable women and young people involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation and prostitution; and Sustainable Land Trust, which trains young people excluded from school in rural industries and environmental activities. Leicestershire-born Maggie Philbin, herself a champion of local charities in between her TV and radio work and her support of TeenTech, which helps teenagers into the worlds of science and technology, hosted the evening and interviewed the charities live on stage. “WIP is unique and ‘made in Leicestershire and Rutland’,” said Narynder Johal, WiP founder member. “Public funds are shrinking all the time, and private funds are a lifeline for these small charities, who do so much to keep our area a great place to live and work.” “This is only the third year of our existence,” added Caroline Trace, also a founder member. “So it’s fantastic to welcome such a number of WiP members – with friends, partners and colleagues – to show what our charities achieve.” Each WiP member gives £500 per annum, half of which is invested to create a sustainable fund to support local charities in the future. The other half is given to the three charities of the year. WiP holds events and parties through the year, for members to meet the charities and each other. All events are sponsored to ensure membership money goes directly to the causes. Hosts and sponsors have included Police HQ, the Diamond Room at Lumbers Jewellers, Farndon Fields Farm Shop, John Lewis, DMU and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, and private houses and gardens.  The premiere at Curve was supported by local chocolatier Cocoa Amore, dairy & food services business Kirby & West and Insurance Broker Erskine Murray. WiP’s 2017-18 year’s charities all work with mental health issues, from anxiety in children through to advanced dementia. Details of upcoming events and how to join are available on the WiP website www.wipfund.org.uk. “The charities WiP supports are not household names, but they achieve a huge amount with a little money,” said Sally Bowie, previous High Sheriff of Leicestershire, and WiP founder member. “If they were no longer here, we would really notice the difference. We warmly welcome new members who share our ambition of supporting their work.” Women In Philanthropy uses the charitable infrastructure of Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, which sets up and manages charitable funds and foundations far less expensively than a standalone charitable foundation: if you would like to find out more about WiP or attend a future event please contact Katy Green, Chief Executive at the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 262 4804.