Harrogate window blind company shows its heart by supporting charity to get young people into work
.jpeg?trim=0,192,0,87&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
This bespoke blinds company has pledged to support a young person’s charity and is offering more than just kind words and financial backing.
A1 Blinds, which started as a family enterprise in the North East, has been dressing windows with quality blinds and shutters for 40 years, but expanded to North Yorkshire about a year ago.
This year it is backing Smile for Life, a charitable organisation which helps young adults with learning needs, autism, disabilities and those who have had a difficult start in life, to learn real life skills and help get them into work.
The organisation, based in Newcastle, runs Café Beam in Gosforth, and Ouseburn Farm, where it provides work and training for some of the young people offering apprenticeships and developing practical skills, building confidence and independence in a supportive environment.
Huge fundraising challenge
This year Smile for Life has organised a challenging fundraising trip, exploring, paddling down and camping alongside the Yukon river in Canada. This is the land of rugged mountains, dramatic landscapes, untouched wilderness – and bears!
It is hoping the former GoldRush state will help raise its charity funds, so that they can offer even more support to even more young people.
Behind the scenes with Smile For Life Children’s Charity at A1 Blinds
A group of young ambassadors from the organisation recently toured A1 Blinds’ factory and showroom where they learned more about the industry – from taking orders to making and fitting blinds – and met staff, including managing director Kevin Taylor.
They had chance to discover more about careers in this industry, and A1 Blinds is working with Smile For Life to offer training and paid work experience to some of its ambassadors.
The visit was filmed and you can watch it here:
Paula Gascoigne, from Smile for Life, said: “A1 Blinds have been so brilliant with their support, not only financially.
“We are passionate about helping these young adults to live life to their full potential and enjoy amazing opportunities, like their non-disabled peers.”
Kevin said the visit highlighted the importance of creating opportunities, building confidence, and opening doors for the next generation.
“At A1 Blinds, we believe businesses can play an important role in supporting their local communities and helping create opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and abilities.”
.jpeg?trim=189,0,482,0&width=640&quality=65)
Supporting the Yukon Challenge Fundraiser
An 11-strong team will paddle more than 400km along the Yukon, camping each night along the riverbanks, later this year. Each member is raising money for Smile for Life.
Among those are James Middleton, a 24-year-old chef at Café Beam, and Joshua Hardie, 20-year-old supervisor at Café Beam
This trip is a massive opportunity for me physically and mentally and I would like to raise as much money as possible to go towards Smile For Life Charity to help youngsters.
To support James’ efforts through JustGiving click here
This trip is going to be the most physical and emotional trip by far. We are going to be out of our comfort zone for two whole weeks, missing our friends and family and any donation you can give will go back into the charity and give everyone confidence and life skills.
To sponsor Joshua through JustGiving click here
About A1 Blinds
A1 customer service goes from start to finish – from initial consultation and measuring through to delivery and fitting. All of these services are included in the price of their blinds:
· Free, no obligation, consultation at your home
· Free accurate measurements by trained consultants
· Free fitting by qualified craftspeople to your full satisfaction
· All work fully guaranteed
Because A1 Blinds will discuss your needs, and make your blinds to measure, for your home, your lifestyle and your requirements they will be able to recommend the best option for you.
This might be a traditional roller blind, or if ease of operation and safety is important, then a remote controlled blind which has no hanging cords or chains (ideal for children’s rooms). Designs are versatile so you don’t have to compromise on style for practicality.
They have supplied and fitted for many happy customers in and around Harrogate and North Yorkshire. Find out more about the full range of blind options available at A1 Blinds here.