James Clarke is a young man from Sheffield who is hearing and sight impaired and has been looked after by the NHS and other organisations in Sheffield throughout his life.
Four years ago, he decided he wanted to give something back to the community as a thank you and began organising a fashion show in Sheffield, choosing a different charity each year to support. This year, Runway Idol (the show) supported The Childrens’ Hospital Charity and Sheffield Mind with funds raised throughout the evening donated equally to both. The show was held at Hillsborough Football Stadium with various organisations supporting and donating raffle prizes. After offering their time to volunteer, Rachael Humes and Donna Howard were called upon to help in setting up for the event.
Their volunteer skills were put to the test with blowing up balloons, decorating the room, moving tables, assembling rails for the fashion show clothing, moving all the kit backstage, setting up tables for the charity partners to use and placing brochures on 300 seats.
Rachael Humes, Social Value Coordinator, Strategic Highways, said "James has held this event for the last four years and raised over £15,000 for local charities. On Friday night, he raised another £3,300 (approx) for The Childrens Hospital Charity and Sheffield Mind which is amazing! Sadly, James’ last event will be next year but he should be so proud of what he’s achieved and we hope it’s bigger & better and we’d be delighted to help again if he needs us. He was so grateful for our help and he’s a wonderful young man doing something amazing for his local area."
The Kier volunteering policy is open to all Kier employees. Every individual employee can apply for two days per year, which may be taken together or separately. You can volunteer for any project or charity you wish, and donate your time to any activity from administration to gardening to helping out at charity events. Find out more here.
