#WeMakeEvents launches ONETWO texting fundraiser
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Launched by the #WeMakeEvents campaign, Texting ONETWO is a text donation initiative, the proceeds from which will directly benefit entertainment technology charity Backup. Anyone who wishes to make a one-off donation can text the words ONETWO followed by the amount they wish to donate, to 70085. To donate £5 for example, you need to input ONETWO5.
The campaign has been backed by several prominent musicians, including The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, who stated: “Everyone who works in production in theatre or live music needs to be recognised and given support in these trying times, so join us in helping them.” Frank Turner, Biffy Clyro, Enter Shikari, Katherine Jenkins and James Bay are also among the music stars who recorded a message to boost the fundraiser - watch the campaign video here.
The charity appeal is aimed at supporting the live events supply chain, which has been under enormous pressure to withstand the devastating effects of the pandemic on the wider events sector. A recent #WeMakeEvents survey revealed that 43% of businesses were at risk of folding by this summer whilst a third of employees revealed they had left or are considering leaving the sector. “The problem extends across the whole live events sector, with many in the events supply chain having been completely overlooked for financial support," explains musician and campaign backer Frank Turner. "The fact that anticipated events in August and July are sold out is testament to the nation’s need to enjoy live events again but we need those highly-skilled people in order to deliver these events. Right now, many of them need financial support to get them through to a time where they can do that for us and earn again.”
Backup provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured or to their surviving family members. The organisation provides medical grants as well as the more recently established Hardship Fund grants, which seek to help those who have suffered financially in light of the impact of COVID-19, including production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment sector.
Simon Callow, patron and ambassador for the charity, comments: “It has been humbling to receive the thanks from some of the families where the financial support made a difference to them paying the bills that month. The situation for many is financially devastating and heart-breaking. Thank you to anyone who donates - just whatever you can afford, if everyone who loves live events texts ONETWO* and donate whatever you can, it really adds up and helps so many people.”
For more information about the charity’s work, visit www.backuptech.uk.
