We’re delighted to shine this month’s Supporter Spotlight on OurCreative, a fantastic local business that has been supporting Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm for the past two years through a combination of donations, fundraising and volunteering.
We spoke to Kim Van Elkan, Co-owner at OurCreative, to hear more about why the team chose to support our charity and the difference it has made – both to us and to them.
How it started
The team at OurCreative were actively looking for a local charity to support when they came across Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm. After speaking with our team and learning more about the work we do, they were deeply moved.
“We were blown away by the difference the farm makes to young children in our area. The stories of the children that you support were heart wrenching, and when we visited the farm, it totally cemented why we wanted to help more than ever.”
Making a difference
Since then, OurCreative has offered an incredible level of support. They’ve made direct donations and regularly make collections of essential items through their Nourish events, including Easter eggs and back to school stationery. We were also pleased to host one of their spring events here at the farm, which helped raise even more awareness of our work.
Their team has also given their time, volunteering to decorate and carry out repairs at the farm in preparation for visiting children and families, as well as supporting activities during children’s visits. On top of that, they’ve taken part in two of our charity walks to raise funds and awareness.
Looking ahead, OurCreative will be holding their next Nourish event at the farm in October, with plans to gather donations that may include Christmas gifts – a generous gesture that will no doubt bring joy to the children we support.
Why it matters
When asked what resonates most about the charity’s work, the OurCreative team said:
“We love the connection to local children and the wholesome element of the farm. Seeing children being carefree is so heartwarming – building dens, camping out, running free… It’s so important for children who perhaps have no access to green spaces or who have grown up too quickly due to their circumstances and don’t have the opportunity to forget their troubles and just play.”
The impact on their team
Supporting the charity has also had a lasting impact within the business itself:
“It has given the team an extra sense of purpose, motivation and pride to do something good.”
And their message to other businesses?
“It’s important for businesses to give back and create a culture of gratitude and appreciation – understanding that not everyone has the lifestyles that we have or have had a great start in life. It has a feel-good halo effect, knowing that we have made a small difference to people who really need it.”
Final word
“We are always so humbled by the work that the amazing team at Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm do to create a safe, happy place for some of the city’s most disadvantaged children. We are so grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in the great work that is done to change children’s lives.” — Kim Van Elkan, Co-Owner, OurCreative
Thank you to Kim, Mike, Ellie, Alyssia, Charlotte and the whole team at OurCreative for your ongoing support and generosity. You are truly helping to make a difference in the lives of the children we support, and you always bring such positivity to the farm whenever you visit!