06:30, 06 March 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
The Corporate Cause section in the Smiley Charity Film Awards is a chance for businesses to demonstrate how they’re giving back. It’s a hugely important and impactful category, allowing us to celebrate their partnerships with charities and causes that benefit our world.
Ahead of the Smiley Charity Film Awards, we caught up with Nicky Hagan, a Producer at Scruffy Bear Media, who created the documentary 'Sing to Change: Boston 2 Boston' alongside the Come And Sing Company.
When our friend and long-term collaborator, Ellie Bowers-Jolley of the Come and Sing Company reached out and told us about her plans for Sing to Change: Boston 2 Boston, it sounded like such a great initiative that we couldn’t say no. Not only was it a creative project engaging young primary school aged children in the very important topic of climate change, but by using the medium of music and song, these young people were empowered to explore a very complex issue in a more readily understandable format. And not only that, but the project focused on schools within Boston, Lincolnshire and Boston, Massachusetts that didn’t typically have access to this sort of creative programme, let alone one with international reach.
The project brought together almost 1,500 primary school aged children across the two regions and our interactions with the students during singing workshops showed just how aware they were of environmental issues and the threat to our futures from climate change, even at such a young age. What we saw in these children galvanised us to want to do more, and be more for them and their futures. When we connected one of the schools in the UK with one it the US through Zoom, the atmosphere was electric. Very few of these children had ever left their respective countries, so the curiosity that surfaced quickly was just a delight to see. And the moment we played back the music video of their performances for them to see just made your heart sing - and the children too, who all instantly started to sing along once more. The concept of the project was what got us on board, but where we could take it and the impact on the children was what made us want to give it everything we had and have.
I think the simplest answer is: resources. A lot of charities, particularly the smaller ones, are really lacking in resources (and, often, funds) to achieve the things they really want to do and the directions they want to push their organisations. The ideas and plans are there, but without the funds or resources, turning those aspirations into reality can be really hard. This is where community and businesses can really step up. And it’s not all about money. People resources, skills, experience - these can have such a huge impact. And it’s a two way street. Not only do they get the help they need, but it’s amazing how good it feels when you know you have been able to help. Even in a very small way.
For an independent media production company like ours, it’s so nice to be able to be hands on with charities and support them with their needs when there potentially isn’t a budget to do so. We have all our own equipment and the experience to be able to support with promotional videos or advice on how to kick off a project and what they might need to consider, so it’s only a matter of finding the time. The biggest thing for us has always been about collaboration and looking to bring something to the table that they are currently missing or is a pinch point for them to then understand how our experience can help. But this is the same for all businesses - find out what the charities really need, and try to assist with that. Whether that is fundraising, specific skills within your workforce, or even just (and maybe even more importantly) organising employee volunteering days so teams can be hands on with what they need right at that moment. Sometimes cleaning out an old storeroom, or painting a room are the last things on the list to be done, but have a big impact when they have been.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Fore. This charity is transforming lives and society by turbo-charging exceptional small charities and social enterprises. Support them here.
The Brother’s Trust. This charity is run by Tom Holland’s family, aiming to shine a light on charities where generous donations can be used to maximum effect. Find out more.
The Henry Smith Charity. This is a grant giving charity that aims to use its resources to help people and communities in the UK. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships for the Goals.
