A Nottinghamshire-based charity has launched its campaign to build a new facility in the city with a series of significant donations from local organisations.
The Marcellus Baz Foundation – which encompasses Switch Up and the Nottingham School of Boxing – announced its plans for a new building which will combine its community services at a launch event featuring long-time charity patrons Torvill and Dean.
The foundation’s current rented space is suffering from mould and damp, and recently had a portion of its ceiling collapse, rendering it unfit for purpose.
The campaign – named #BuildingPositiveFutures – initially hopes to raise £550,000 to unlock further funding, which will help towards the £4.15m build cost for the proposed new facility.
Fundraising was kickstarted on the night by a £100,000 donation from BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and £50,000 from Experian, which organised the launch event hosted by Switch Up patron Darren Fletcher.
The TNT Sport broadcaster quizzed the duo on their legendary partnership ahead of the 40th anniversary of their gold medal-winning performance of Bolero at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
The pair also spoke at length about their passion for supporting the charity, having been involved as patrons for nearly a decade.
Dean said: “Switch Up has created an environment that is a real family and gives purpose to children and young people who could very easily go off the rails if it wasn’t there. It’s a true community which was initially built around the boxing gym but is now so much more.”
Speaking as the campaign for the new building was announced, Marcellus Baz thanked the patrons for their support, and welcomed pledges from the audience in the room to kickstart the fundraising.
“Switch Up works on a five-pillar system which combines mentoring, education, employability and counselling with physical activity,” he said. “We give people the opportunities and lifelines that they need – we’re the last line stopping people from being imprisoned, committing serious crimes, carrying knives, getting involved in gangs or being radicalised.
“To do this, we need to have a sanctuary where children and young people can come and feel safe, secure and feel able to engage – we don’t have that at the moment. This new building will be that sanctuary, but we can only get there with everyone’s help.
“We’re asking people to pledge a donation, in-kind support or even just sharing the need and the opportunity with their network.”
Paul Simpson, trustee of BNA, said: “Switch Up is already making an incredible contribution to the communities in Nottingham and Mansfield. When we looked at the history behind Switch Up and the work that Marcellus Baz and his team have done to help prevent crime, improve behaviour at schools, help youngsters with their education and work with partners to help them find employment, we were very excited about the new Community Hub project in Nottingham.
“Having the new premises and resources will enable the Switch Up team to continue helping Nottingham’s children and young adults to develop and improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Having that direction will help the young people to build their self-confidence and pride through achievement.”
Richard Donovan, head of corporate responsibility at Experian, said: “The services provided by Switch Up in Nottingham are needed now, more than ever. As a local employer, Experian believes in the importance of helping people in Nottingham realise their potential and we are excited to see the opportunity to help larger numbers of young people that the new community hub will bring.”
To support the campaign, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/buildingpositivefutures
