At Reflect Digital, we’re offered the chance to volunteer ourselves to a charity of our choice for one full working day. I sent a message out on social media that I’d like to offer my design and video services to help out a charity in need of boosting their marketing. I was surprised by the number of responses I received and it was so tough having to pick just one good cause.
I received a detailed message from Tree of Hope’s marketing officer Harriet and was instantly drawn to the work Tree of Hope do. For over 25 years Tree of Hope has been the crowdfunding charity that helps children and young people with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the money they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available through the UK healthcare system.
After a few emails getting to know Harriet and the help they needed, we set a date in the diary and I spent my day at Tree of Hope’s offices based in Tonbridge, Kent. Every member of staff made me feel so welcome and I could tell how grateful they were to have some assistance with some creative work. We grabbed a coffee then sat down to discuss what was the top priority which was to get the message out there of what Tree of Hope does, specifically by video content.
We had a look at what video footage they had in their library, which was mainly footage shot on phones of the children during physiotherapy or enjoying day to day life. After setting out a plan of action, we quickly got set up to record some one-on-one interviews so I could record the passion from the staff. That was something that struck me from the start, every member of staff are so caring and just amazing people, emotionally investing into the work Tree of Hope do, which is great to capture on footage as it’s raw emotion.
Kate and Georgie were naturals on camera and Harriet was fantastic in easing them into it which made the whole recording process a piece of cake. I had loads of footage to work with so after we’d finished recording, I went upstairs and cracked on with the videos with the odd cake and sweet break to give me more of a boost. I was delighted when I showed them all the videos and taken aback when I saw tears in their eyes. I was delighted I could help them out and could tell how genuinely happy they were for the help.
I can’t wait for everyone to see the videos, so please keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook and Twitter feeds for the videos and please support what they do. They’re hosting many events this year where you can get involved or if you know a family that would benefit from their services, please make them aware.
