Light Relief was set up as a charity in 2001 by Rick Fisher and the late Tony Gottelier to help lighting industry professionals in times of extreme hardship. The organisation assists people by providing practical support or financial help - occasionally both - and most of the people that the charity helps are lighting designers or technicians, or members of the Association of Lighting Designers. Like most freelance people, they do not earn money unless they are working, so sickness, physical injuries or domestic crises can lead to dramatic falls of income. This, in turn, affects not just them but also their families.
The site, at www.lightrelief.org.uk, provides information about how you can get help and how you can make individual or ongoing donations. Current patrons and sponsors include A.C. Lighting, ETC, Le Mark, Martin, Rosco, Stage Electrics, Strand and White Light with industry supporters including ABTT, ALD, PLASA and STLD.
As the web site grows, Light Relief intends to add more information about sources of help and support from other organisations and the government.
(Lee Baldock)
