Philanthropy
We all know that Alesha is a kind-hearted soul who is always thinking of others. Over the years she has become a philanthropist giving her name, time, support and money to good causes changing the lives of many. Let’s take a look back at all the charities and causes who have benefited from Alesha’s kind nature.
Education – Vocational Qualification Day
VQ Day is a national event launched to give those choosing vocational education their place in the sun. It’s aim is to raise the profile of vocational qualifications and celebrate vocational success. Alesha – herself a VQ holder – hosted the first event in July 2008.
Anti-Bullying
Alesha backed the 2007 TV Nickelodeon ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign which UK’s biggest ever anti-bullying initiative. The campaign aims to encourage kids to speak out against bullies and help kids gain the confidence to tell someone if they, or someone they know is being bullied. As the face of the campaign Alesha said: “Nickelodeon’s See Something, Say Something campaign is extremely close to my heart, so I felt compelled to show my support. I was bullied as a child and know how important it is to tell someone about it.”
Children In Need
Alesha has made numerous appearances on Children in Need which is a campaign held in the United Kingdom to raise money for exactly that, Children in Need. Money raised (which reaches around £30 million each year) provides support in the form of grants to organisations working with children who may have experienced mental, physical or sensory disabilities; behavioural or psychological disorders; are living in poverty or situations of deprivation; or suffering through distress, abuse or neglect. Alesha also won the BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and a percentage of the money from phone votes went towards the charity.
Safe Sex
Alesha has fronted 2 campaigns to promote safe sex. In 2007 there was the ‘Want Respect’ campaign, but the 2008 ‘Condom Essential Wear’ campaign was the one that got everyone talking as Alesha posed in a bath full of condoms. Alesha says “Using a condom is about being confident enough to look after yourself. You shouldn’t rely on the other person to have one – if you carry a condom you’ll always be prepared, safe and in control.”
PDSA
Alesha and her collie-cross Roxy posed for the 2009 PetPawtraits calendar which was put together by the PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity. It‘s work is funded entirely from public support so that they can provide free veterinary care for the sick and injured pets of people unable to afford veterinary fees. Talking of her dog: “Roxy is a rescue dog and she’d had three owners before she came to live with me, so not an ideal start to her life. When I first brought her home she was not a happy, confident dog. Now with love, care and attention she has transformed info a happy being and loves nothing more than running in the woods and having lots of adventures. I’m proud to support PDSA as they do great work and it’s really important that the charity gets all the support it needs.”
Give Blood
Alesha used her artistic hand to create a piece for the ‘Circle of Life’ awareness campaign. Over 30 black and Asian performers have designed and produced their own work of art in the shape of a circle, themed around the importance of blood donation. In 2007 Alesha also judged entries from the public who were invited to produce their own Circle of Life art. Saying of her choice to help out: “I give blood, because in the black and Asian community, there is only a one in a 100,000 chance of finding a match for a blood donor. By just sparing an hour of your time giving blood; you can save a life and I cannot stress that enough.”
ACLT
The ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) is a voluntary charity, whose main aim is to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the Black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disorder may otherwise prove fatal. Alesha makes an appearance at nearly every ball held each year in aid of promoting the charity and raising money.
Radio Lollipop – May 2008
Alesha launched the Radio Lollipop station which brings music and creative activities to the young patients in the Evelina Children’s Hospital at St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road in London. Radio Lollipop brings the magic of radio into hospitals and with the help of specially selected and trained volunteers enables children to take part in creative activities linked with the musical theme of the day, enter competitions, and of course, have a go at being DJs themselves. Alesha says of the new station: “Music is a great way to lift the spirits and will really help to brighten up the children’s stay in hospital. It’s never much fun being in hospital, but music can be very therapeutic and take their minds off their illness, as well as provide a talking point for the children.” she said.
BUPA Charity Run – Various Years
Alesha has launched a 10k run to raise money for a children’s charity. She launched the Bupa Great Capital Run 2008 in Leicester Square alongside radio DJ Johnny Vaughn. Alesha says of the run: “It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced runner or a complete novice, you can skip, jump or walk your way around the route if you like”. Organisers say they hope to raise £25,000 from entrance fees for Help a London Child. The charity provides support for children suffering from the effects of poverty, abuse, homelessness, illness and disability. Alesha took part in the run in both 2008 and 2006 completed the 6.2mile run in just 1hr.
