A dream comes true
Published: 04 December, 2008
Martin Harris, the founder of the UK charity 'Follow your Dreams', which depends largely on shopping centres around Britain to raise funds and awareness for children with special needs, has just won an award from the Special Olympics, an event that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
On November 19 Harris will travel to 10 Downing Street to receive the award from Sarah Brown and then head to Whitehall for a celebrity dinner.
Harris founded the charity in 2004 and has built up a reputation with shopping centres around the country, putting on professional and well run events with different themes each year, attracting both media and footfall to each location.
Harris and his team played a big part in sponsoring 44 athletes from all over the UK last year who attended the World Special Olympic Games in Shanghai. Most of the funds were raised at shopping centres, including Castle Quay in Banbury, Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells and Coopers Square in Burton, where Harris and his team held a series of themed events.
On every occasion, 'Follow Your Dreams' involved local special needs schools, inviting children to attend workshops and enter quizzes and talent shows. They are also encouraged to produce art and craft items, all of which help to raise self-esteem and confidence in the students.
Although each event is costly and the charity doesn't receive any government or lottery funding, it still manages to make a steady profit which is used to sponsor youngsters within the fields of sport, art, music and drama.
"We cannot thank centre management teams enough," said Harris. "Our charity only exists due to their support, and we have been able to make so many dreams come true with their invaluable help."
