We believe that laughter’s our universal language. And for that reason we’ve always been hugely honoured to see how our work has resonated with supporters from so many walks of life across the world.
So, to celebrate our supporters and the unifying power of play, we’re launching Supporter Spotlight, where our supporters explain why they stand with us on our mission to share laughter where it’s lacking.
And this month, for our first ever Supporter Spotlight, we’re proud to introduce Nathalie, who’s been with us since day one!
Before we hand you over to Nathalie to explain why she’s supported our work for 16 years (!), this is also an open call to get in touch if you want to share the story of how you discovered the Seagulls and the reasons why you support our work – we’d really love to hear from as many of you as possible!
Now, without further ado, here’s Nathalie …
How did you first hear about the Flying Seagulls?
I’ve known the beautiful force of nature and for good that is Ash Perrin since drama school. The Flying Seagulls is almost as old as our friendship.
My initial involvement was as a board member and a member of the Seagulls on one of the first trips to Romania. I remember three of us packed ourselves into a van with a tonne of equipment and some bananas and drove across Europe.
It was a wild, playfully boisterous experience and it was also one that, in many ways, left an indelible mark on my heart.
A photo from our first ever project to Romania, back in 2008.
What is it about the Flying Seagulls that inspired your interest and motivated you to donate?
Ash has always been the one in our year, who I believe, took all that he learned at drama school and the opportunities ahead of him and gave it all away to a cause bigger than himself. That selflessness in itself is enough to support him.
Having volunteered and worked within the third sector and for other NGOs making significant change, I’m a firm believer in donations going direct to the need rather than getting lost in unnecessary bureaucracy.
I know Ash’s heart for mission and have full confidence that every £ donated has a direct impact on the work that he and his troupe of Seagulls do on the ground where they play.
The Flying Seagull Project began as a grassroots organisation, and though they have expanded and grown considerably, the essence and nature of those first few years remain the foundation of what they do. It runs through their very core.
What matters to you about the causes we address?
The children and young people’s happiness and wellbeing.
What impact or difference do you hope your support will help to achieve?
I hope that knowing that there are regular and committed supporters of their vision makes monthly fundraising that little bit easier.
Photo from an early trip to Romania. “The Flying Seagull Project began as a grassroots organisation, and though they have expanded and grown considerably, the essence and nature of those first few years remain the foundation of what they do” – Nathalie
Is there any particular Seagulls project or work that you are most interested in and why?
All their work is vital, whether it’s raising awareness in the kids’ area at festivals to the refugee camps, orphanages and villages their contagious playfulness descends upon. Nothing they do is superfluous to their mission for every child to have a happy and playful childhood.
In what ways would you say the Flying Seagulls compare to other NGOs and not-for-profits working in the sector that you know of?
I don’t think I could begin to compare the Flying Seagulls with another NGO working in the sector. The ones I have personal experience of have all impacted me. I believe true transformation is born out of relationship and because of that, the Flying Seagulls will always have my heart.
What would you say to anyone considering donating or finding out more about the Flying Seagulls’ work?
Do it – the positive impact your donation will have on a child and a family you may never meet is priceless.
Photo from our work in the refugee camp on Samos, in 2019-20. “The positive impact your donation will have on a child and a family you may never meet is priceless” – Nathalie
Our huge thanks to Nathalie for all her contributions, and of course our thanks as always to our whole Seagull flock of amazing supporters.
Remember, we’d love to feature loads more of your stories, so drop us a line here if you’re up for sharing why you support our work.
And finally, you can have a look here to find out how you can help us share smiles with more kids in need of hope and happiness.
