Silver Jubilee Big Tick

Red Dragon - Silver Jubilee Big Tick

Ten years of “Helping a South Wales Child" through fund-raising and community action

HASWC has benefited our young people by giving them a revamped home and living space.  This has had wonderful benefits in terms of increasing their motivation and self esteem.

Rachal MinchintonFunding and Grants Co-ordinator, Llamau

Red Dragon (part of GCap Media Plc) is a local commercial radio station that broadcasts over South East Wales and is committed to supporting the local communities in which it operates. The station set up its own charitable trust, Help a South Wales Child (HASW), in 1997 to address the social issues identified by its core audience.

The aim of HASWC was to have a positive impact on children and young people, while retaining a strong local focus with an emphasis on supporting deprived areas.

Development of the trust and increased profile has seen fundraising increase from £70,000 per year at the outset to over £200,000 in 2006.  Changing the fundraising criteria in 2004 maximises opportunities and has led to the scheme being able to support more than 8,000 children and young people each year who suffer the negative effects of poverty, illness, crime, disability, abuse and neglect.

Timeline

1985

Red Dragon FM established (known at the time as The Cardiff Broadcasting Company).  In these initial stages Red Dragon undertook ad hoc community initiatives.

1997

Red Dragon FM sets up HASWC and appoints a part-time Charity Manager. For the first few years the charity raised approximately £70,000 per annum.

Red Dragon and HASWC hosts its first Welsh Awards.

2002

Station Co-ordinator appointed to focus on community and charity events, maximising the event coverage.

2003

Full time Charity Manager appointed, charity fundraising increases to £150,000 per annum.

2003

Fun day trip to Folly farm for 30 disadvantaged children with the support of Legal and General.

2004

HASWC now raises over £200,000 per annum and awards grants to over 8000 children living locally.

Support through on-air coverage and entertainment at major community events including Race For Life, Macmillan Cancer Relief Largest Coffee Morning, Barry Island Children’s Day out, Charity Film premieres.

Start of annual Christmas activities including a toy appeal and Red Dragon presenter visits to children’s hospitals, safe houses and women’s refuges donating Christmas trees and gifts.

2005 to present

Each year Help A South Wales Child raises in excess of £200,000 and attends approximately 60 community and charity events including village, town and school fetes, charity fundraising initiatives, educational projects etc.

Impact

  • In 2006 the charity supported more than 45 different groups within South Wales
  • More than 2,000 toys were donated to disadvantaged children last year as part of the annual Christmas Toy Appeal
  • Increased audience and loyalty from listeners
  • Staff development and increased self esteem through employee volunteering