News

Birmingham Crowne Plaza hosts a festive party for disabled youngsters

Posted on December 19th, 2011

The NEC Crowne Plaza hosted a wonderfully festive Christmas party for 40 young disabled Ambassadors of Whizz-Kidz on Sunday 18 December; marking the end of another year’s support for the charity from the Intercontinental Hotel Group. Staff also presented a fundraising cheque for £2,440 on the night.

The young people – all from the Midlands and aged between 10 and 25 – had a chance to meet new young friends from the region, share experiences and have a lot of fun.

Across the Midlands region there are over 150 young disabled people that regularly attended Whizz-Kidz’s ‘Kidz Unlimited’ Ambassador Clubs – a nationwide project that supports disabled children and …

Read all of Birmingham Crowne Plaza hosts a festive party for disabled youngsters

2011 in pictures – thank you!

Posted on December 14th, 2011

It’s been another record-beating year for Whizz-Kidz – and once again we say a huge thank you to each and every member of the Whizz-Kidz family.

Whether you’re a volunteer, an ambassador, a fundraiser, a corporate partner, an old friend, a new friend – we really value you.

Together we helped:

1,410 children and young people get the right mobility equipment for them – up 40% on 2010
1,350 children and young people gain new skills; including wheelchair skills training, campaigning and life skills, and work placements – up 40% on 2010.

We played a large role in successfully lobbying for Any Qualified Provider in children’s wheelchair provision – meaning Whizz-Kidz can potentially reach more children in 2012.

And the Health Secretary, Prime Minister, …

Read all of 2011 in pictures – thank you!

X-Factor rejects hope to raise cash for Whizz-Kidz

Posted on December 12th, 2011

Now the final of one of TV’s biggest reality shows has ended, there are a lot of people wondering where the ‘X-Factor rejects’ have gone? Well some of them have recorded their own song, hoping to raise a smile – and funds – for Whizz-Kidz. Move over Little Mix, it’s Jamside up!

“Sorry, it’s a no” by musician Tim Hain is an amusing and affectionate take on the experience of the programme for those singers knocked-back, and includes wheelchair-user and ex-Kidz Board member Asta Philpot.

Asta and Tim believe that everyone has something to give, and should have a genuine chance to shine as individuals. Every copy of “Sorry, it’s a no” downloaded from iTunes will help Whizz-Kidz support more disabled young people to lead …

Read all of X-Factor rejects hope to raise cash for Whizz-Kidz

Cantillon ‘demolish’ volunteering targets

Posted on December 6th, 2011

Demolition firm Cantillon has been supporting Whizz-Kidz since 2010, raising in excess of £30,000.

The bulk of these valuable funds has come from staff fundraising – such as a team that battled the Three Peaks Challenge this summer. Congratulations to Nick Taylor, David Strzelecki, Ian Brooks, Jason Crawley, and David Crawley for raising £10,000 through this event alone!

However, as well as fundraising, Cantillon’s staff have volunteered tens of hours at many Whizz-Kidz Ambassador clubs and Wheelchair Skills training days – providing invaluable hands-on support to young people; helping improve their skills, mobility and independence.

Managing Director Michael Cantillon says, “Whizz Kidz is such a great charity, and whilst we have raised and donated …

Read all of Cantillon ‘demolish’ volunteering targets

Spirit Club Great Swim challenge makes splash with world swimming champ endorsement

Posted on December 5th, 2011

Five-time world swimming champion and six time GB Paralympic medallist, Fran Williamson, is backing The Spirit Health Clubs’ ‘The Great Spirit Swim’.

Members from 40 UK wide health clubs are joining together to collectively swim the equivalent distance around the British Isles in 7 days, from 5 – 11 December.

The national event is raising money for Whizz-Kidz – a charity that provides disabled children and young people with the essential mobility equipment they need to lead fun and active childhoods.

Speaking at the poolside of her local Club in Cambridge, Fran, Sports Ambassador for the charity said: “I want to thank the Spirit Health Clubs for supporting Whizz-Kidz – a charity very close …

Read all of Spirit Club Great Swim challenge makes splash with world swimming champ endorsement