With Covid still affecting the way events are run many organisers are still delivering virtual versions of their previously in-person events. One of these events was an annual conference and exhibition focused on global financial services that usually hosts 10,000 delegates onsite but in 2021, the event attracted 19,000 individuals online instead.
The digital format event was delivered from Creative Technology’s studio in Crawley and although the majority of the content, decor and imagery is digital, the stage furniture is not. There were tables, stools, cushions, plants, pots and carpet, all of which the team at FIRST wanted to donate. Two charities benefited from the conference.
Tennis 2 Be
Tennis2Be is a not-for-profit charity promoting equality, sports, community and education. Tennis is at their heart, but they do so much more than sport. The charity actively encourages social interaction, well-being and happiness on a “level court” through tennis and beyond.
Their educational arm provides courses in administration, bookkeeping, literacy, numeracy and social media by training users and disabled young people in these disciplines and providing gainful work experience placements for them within the charity and with our partners. They also deliver key support to those with mental health issues, the elderly, vulnerable people, those faced with unemployment and individuals affected by homelessness.
The donated items, used as part of the stage set, were taken to one of Tennis2Be’s beneficiaries, a gentleman (Mr X) who had been in a difficult situation for over 10 years and was living in a home with no internal fixtures or fittings. The house had not been cleaned for those 10 years and the carpets were in a sorry state too. Mr X had not slept in his bedroom since his wife passed away and had confined himself to the living room only, whilst the remainder of the house was left to be. The Tennis2Be charity has been working hard to assemble volunteers, handymen, donations and cleaners to help Mr X out. The donation from this event included plants, pots, cushions and carpet, add to this a whole raft of helpers and now the entire house has been deep cleaned, carpeted and crafted into the beginnings of a new home for Mr X.
DEBRA
The charity supports people suffering from a certain group of genetic skin conditions ranging from the very mild to the very severe. DEBRA funds research and healthcare to help individuals and their families through the challenges of coping with a painful life-limiting condition. The furniture including high tables and stools will be sold to raise funds for the charity.
After you reduce and before you recycle, how about repurposing your leftover event items with Event Cycle. Drop us a message today to see what we can do for your event.