Why ISBF is……
That picture above was taken last year (08/10). It is the building occupied by START Inspiring Minds, the charity that has been the focus of ISBF fundraising efforts since 2018.
Again, I'll say it now, ALL profits from the various ISBF events go to START. It's personal to me and mine. It also matters to the entire ISBF Family, the lovely bunch of people who give of themselves at each in person ISBF event, to make this work. To provide the “feeling” of the event, which, for me, is what makes it work.
The above photos were both taken at last year's delayed #WorldSuicidePreventionDay VIGIL. The event, hosted and organised by START, was a procession, carrying 126 yellow flags, to commemorate the 126 lives lost to suicide, in Salford in the last 5 years.
This year's vigil was last Sunday (10/09). It is an incredibly moving event. The work that START do in the local community is hugely impactful and absolutely vital, especially in straightened times like these.
Each flag carried, represents someone lost. A Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Daughter or son. This event brings comfort, healing, to each of the attendees. It certainly does to us
The vigil took place almost opposite our venue, Hemsley House. Among the various speeches and performances, there was an incredibly powerful poem, by the poet Jardel Rodrigues. The poem was called “Debts”. In honour of people that Jardel himself has lost. It had me, for one, in tears. Not just of sorrow, but of utter admiration at how clearly and powerfully his emotions were expressed.
Something TLO said last night really struck me. She said that the charity (START) doesn’t get a mention on the posters. And indeed it doesn’t. But each of the #ISBFFamily knows what we do. And why we do it.
There’s no angle here. Myself (Jim) and various members of the #ISBFFamily have deep connections within the Independent Beer Industry. The breweries understand what we do and why we do this. They help us. Not all beer events can put the list together that we do, year upon year. And we can repeatedly do that, because our friends in the Industry understand the end game.
That end game is to financially assist a small charity. A charity that - unlike others - can’t afford to pay professionals to raise funds and publicity. They rely on grants, donations. They are absolutely a grass roots organisation, rooted in the community of Salford, helping to raise people within that community from that most dark of places. This stuff matters.
What YOU do - when you buy a ticket and drink exceptional Beer and Cider - matters. Always remember that.
What my friends and I do also matters. But not even CLOSE to how much the work of the likes of Bernadette Conlon, Michelle Dennett and the magnificent people who help to make START Inspiring Minds what it is. A beacon of hope. To those in dark places
Come and join us. Grab some tickets to our little bash. And help make a difference. Click this link.
Be kind to one another.
