As you probably know, we love to give international days our Leap Love, so with today marking the start of National Organic Fortnight, we’re positively ecstatic!
Starting today and running until the 17th September its’ National Organic Fortnight, so we’ll be bringing you was you can take part and benefit from living the good life for a fortnight.
Top 5 Reasons To Go Organic:
1. A better planet > You’ll be helping the planet by choosing locally sourced organic food.
2. Your well-being > You’ll be doing yourself and your body a great favour by eating a healthier. We like to think our body is a temple don’t we? So why not put this into practise by eating delicious and fresh home grown food?
3. Animal Welfare > By picking organic food, you’ll be ensuring that animals have been given free- range upbringing to they’ll have had plenty of space and fresh air to thrive and grow.
4. Our Wildlife > Organic farms provide great homes for wildlife such as bees, birds and butterflies to thrive in. Studies have shown that plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms.
5. A GM free diet > European law bans the use of genetically modified organisms in all aspects of food and farming. Buying organic means that animals are not modified in any way and their feed is free from GM substances.
Tagged in National Organic Fortnight, Volunteering, Events, Community, Organic Food
In aid of National Zoo Awareness Day, we've selected WWF as our charity of the week. WWF is best known as the world’s leading conservation body. Read about their Save The Tiger campaign and how you can help make a difference.
More tigers are kept in captivity in the U.S. state of Texas than are left in the wild. Right now, there are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild and that number is falling. Tiger habitat is being lost at an alarming rate and poaching has surged over recent months.
Thankfully, there’s still hope. Given protection, space to roam and sufficient prey, tiger numbers can increase rapidly. They can claw their way back from the brink. But, we need your help.
Want to do something now?
Click here to sign the Tiger Summit Petition.
Adopt a tiger from a little as £3 a month.
Keep up to date with the latest from WWF and their campaigns with WWF on facebook.
Show your support and help raise awareness on Twitter. Add a Save The Tiger twibbon.
Tagged in Guest Post, WWF, Campaigns
Take a look at the best events happening in London this week, all for a good cause.
Monday 30th August
Be Gay Do Sports Organised by the GMFA Gay Men's Charity, the Gay Sports Day London event provides a series of camp and tongue in cheek sporting events, including a handbag throwing competition and a 50m mince. Other races on the day include the space hopper obstacle course and the drag relay. the Gay Sports London event encourages everyone to spend the bank holiday being out and proud and having fun.
Afternoon Tea Delights To mark this occasion you are cordially invited to a very special elegant tea party on the occasion of The Garden House Hospice's 20th birthday.
Come an enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends and loved ones for good causes in the community with live music.
Tuesday 31st August
Get Your Hands Dirty (Grow Food) Come along to Spitalfields City Farm this Tuesday and learn how to grow, pick, eat and cook organic produce from the wholesome soils of one of London's most colourful City farms. It's a women only session every Tuesday, so bring along a gal pal and get digging!
Afghanistan in the UK The Frontline Club screens the latest VICE film Afghanistan in the UK, a documentary with a different take on the British involvement in the war in Afghanistan. Followed by a Q&A session with film directory, Andy Capper, the documentary shows the audience the gruelling reality of recruitment, training and combat - illustrating an altogether different understanding of warfare.
Wednesday 1st September
You are a fish Join The Natural History Museum as they expose the deep evolutionary history humans share with fish. Discover the many parts of our skeleton that we have in common, including the bones of our skull, arms and legs, and our backbone.
Capture: cure Capture:Cure 2010 invites you to a one-off art exhibition and auction that is harnessing the power of social media to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Although the big event takes place in the real world, all the action leading up to it is taking place online at www. facebook.com/capturecure.
It’s here you can submit an image of your original artwork or vote for your favourite submission.
Thursday 2nd September
Get Dirty Gardening For Good How does a weekly dose of floating habitat islands, scrub bashing, planting up lakes, coppicing, making barley straw sausages and a dash of hedge laying sound? You'll be taken to one of a wide range of nature reserves and wildlife areas in London to carry out a variety of practical conservation work. Get out there and get some exercise in the fresh air with good people.
Selected Debating the evolution of leadership at the Royal Society of the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). What makes a good or bad leader, why are some people followers, and what are the benefits of each? In their new book Selected, Mark van Vugt and Anjana Ahuja fuse psychology, business, history and current affairs to examine how and why leadership has evolved over tens of thousands of years.
Friday 3rd September
Amnesty For My Soul Join Amnesty once again for a big night of great music, selected and played for you by people who really know their onions. You'll be hard pressed to find a night with more vintage classics than this... A great night, for a great cause. The theme is still 60's & 70's soul with a dash of funk, reggae, ska & other funky treats. Get yer groove on, dress up and dance yer socks off.
Cake In The City Cake can make everything better, right? Cake in the City is a charity cake sale in London's Spitalfields Market to raise money for flood-stricken Pakistan. The event will be held on Friday, 3 September, from 11am-4pm, and will sell cupcakes from the renowned Hummingbird Bakery.
Saturday 4th September
End Domestic Flights Now Join the Campaign against Climate Change team in their special carriage on the train for a full fun day of aviation activism! Put this date in your diary now! This will be the time to take the agenda forward on aviation, and insist that at this time of climate emergency we cannot afford to be using high-emission forms of transport where viable alternatives exist.
Fayre Extraordinaire Discover the Surrey Docks City Farm in the middle of London with all its attractions, animals and produce. This Saturday will see the third of the new monthly markets down at the farm. We would love to see you there. Many stalls and suprises will be unveiled on the day.
Sunday 5th September
RSPB Wildlife and Country Fair RSPB presents the RSPB Wildlife and Country Fair for old and young to enjoy wildlife-based activities, walks and stands plus craft marquees, children's activities, rides and inflatables - all set within the fabulous North Kent Marshes landscape.
Tagged in Things to do in London, Events, Volunteering, fun things to do, charity, fundraising
This week we’re giving some Leap Love to our charity of the week Care International. They are currently working on Pakistan to provide emergency shelter, water, sanitation and health care to those affected by the flood. As well as responding to emergencies abroad, CARE also works on long-term development projects that tackle the underlying causes of poverty. Read their guest post below reporting from Pakistan. Words by Deborah Underdown.
Tagged in Guest Post, Care International, Features
Tagged in Best events in London, Fun events, Volunteering, charity, Things To Do
Large or small there are many charities and organizations that help provide those in need with the proper humanitarian aid. Here are some that are continually working towards providing help and relief in times of crisis. Take action today and support these amazing charities.
Oxfam Oxfam is a global movement dedicated to fighting for an end to poverty and suffering worldwide. It approaches this aim in three ways; campaigning for change, development work and emergency response. Oxfam was founded in 1942 and now works with over 3000 partners in more than 100 countries.
Action Aid With more than 2,000 civil society partners worldwide, Action Aid work with and support the poorest and most vulnerable people to fight for and gain their rights to food, shelter, work, basic healthcare and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Medical Foundation The Medical Foundation is a human rights organisation that exists to enable survivors of torture and organised violence to engage in a healing process to assert their own human dignity and worth.
Red Cross The Red Cross enables vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities. When the crisis is over, they help people recover and move on with their lives.
Concern - Concern Worldwide works with the poorest people in the poorest countries of the world to enable them to transform their lives. They seek out those who most urgently need our support, and work with them through thick and thin to tackle poverty, hunger and disaster.
Merlin - Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. hey work in the worlds most difficult and dangerous environments: in countries ravaged by civil war, blighted by drought, devastated by earthquakes and landslides.
DEC - The DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) is a umbrella organization of 13 humanitarian aid charities. Their purpose is to unite these charities in times of disasters such as floods, earthquakes or famine wherever in the world it may be.
Amnesty International - Amnesty International are ordinary people from around the world standing up for humanity and human rights. Our purpose is to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied.
Tagged in World Humanitarian Day, Charities, Aid
World Humanitarian Day (19th August) was created by the UN to increase awareness about humanitarian issues globally and the importance of cooperation. It’s also a day to honour all those who are continually working towards providing humanitarian aid wherever it is needed.
Humanitarian workers strive to make sure those in need of relief and aid receive it, wherever in the world they may be. This fun and heart-warming video below released by UN puts a face to humanitarian workers and shows their diverse their cultures and backgrounds.
Five Things You Should Know About World Humanitarian Day:
Tagged in World Humanitarian Day, United Nations, charity
Check out the best events for good happening in London this week. Take your pick from charity fundraisers, gigs, clean ups and picnics that are taking place this week all for a good cause!
Tuesday 17th August
Be Green, Burn Calories Help invigorate the wildlife area in the Calthrope Project, a community garden, part of our community network and just a few minutes walk from our Kings Cross office. You’ll be able to work in the wildlife garden to create a deadwood hedge, building a plethora of insect habitats and insect hotel from the deadwood collection piling up on site, mending the compost bins and building a hurdle fence for the new food growing area.
Summer Fun with Jo Jingles Looking for a fun activity to keep your under 5's amused over the summer holidays? Avoid crowded parks and play areas this August by booking onto a Jo Jingles Summer Fun Workshop in Watford or Radlett in Aid of the Peace Hospice. All profits are being donated to the local Peace Hospice.
Wednesday 18th August
Gardening at Spitalfields City Farm Do you want to help maintain the most beautiful places in London? Help the Spitalfields City Farm out with some gentle, hands-on gardening. In order to keep it all nice and tidy for its thousands of thousands of visitors every year, Spitalfields City Farm invites you to lend a helping hand.
Iraq Revisited The Frontline Club welcomes Jim Frederick, Time managing editor and an expert panel to revisit Iraq and discuss what the future holds for the Iraqi people and the soldiers that served there. Drawing on extensive interviews Frederick's book investigates how 1st Platoon, Bravo Company descended into indiscipline, substance abuse and brutality that culminated in one of the worst war crimes perpetrated by US soldiers of the conflict.
Thursday 19th August
Underwater Portaiture Oscar award-winning fashion photographer and fresh2o founder Candice has pioneered underwater photo shoots of celebrities such as Keira Knightley, Lily Cole, Kelly Brook, Sir Nick Faldo and many more to highlight the plight of millions of people suffering globally from the lack of clean water. Fresh2o invites you to join us for this exciting evening and meet celebrities, view the amazing portraits as well as enjoy superb canapés, drinks and dinner.
Get Dirty Gardening For Good How does a weekly dose of floating habitat islands and making barley straw sausages and a dash of hedge laying sound? Volunteers will head off to one of a wide range of sites (nature reserves and wildlife areas) in London to carry out a variety of practical conservation work which includes such exciting tasks as creating floating habitat islands, scrub bashing, planting up lakes, coppicing, making barley straw sausages and hedge laying.
Friday 20th August
Shouting Fire As part of the Liberation Season, Frontline Club presents Shouting Fire. The film examines the naked truth behind this monumental canon on which America; "the land of the free", rests. For all those who want to know what may lie ahead in terms of freedom of speech, not only in America but across the west, Shouting Fire is the first port of call.
Get Walking Throughout the summer, and for ever after that, Thames21 are hosting weekly health walks, exploring London's Lea River Park area, with Walk Tower Hamlets. The walks will take in local sites and nature spots and are dog friendly.
Saturday 21st August
Nature through the lens This is a nature photography workshop for beginners and will be run by a professional photographer. The workshop is aimed at beginners looking at simple photography tips in the setting of Ruskin Park, Lambeth, London. It will cover basic camera settings and will look at composition tips for taking better nature and help to give participants the skills and confidence to go beyond the auto mode of their digital camera.
Beekeeping 101 A one day introductory course, aimed at people with little or no experience of beekeeping. Participants will learn about: Equipment needed to start beekeeping, The nature of the honey bee and colony structure, Bee handling and colony inspection (this will only be possible in good weather),What do bees need: forage, location etc, The bee keeping year – Seasonal Managemen, Hive Health, Honey Extraction.
Sunday 22nd August
Caught Red Handed RED HANDED THEATRE COMPANY are proud to present a one off celebrity gala performance of Robin Soans' Open Windows, a vibrant selection of scenes from life, directed by Jessica Swale. The performance will raise funds for Red Handed's production of PALACE OF THE END by Judith Thompson, a play awarded the Amnesty International Award for Freedom of Expression 2009, to be premiered in October-November 2010.
Picnic, Fun & Rock 'n' Roll In association with Friends of Hilly Fields Park, Rock and Roll band The Roosters will give a concert in aid of the North London Hospice and Alzheimers Society. Join them at the park, bring a picnic and relax for the afternoon.
Tagged in leap anywhere, Charity Events, Best events in London, Things To Do, Volunteering
Our favourite welly wearers and charity of the week, Thames 21, are giving you the opportunity to give some love back to the Thames with their Cleaner Thames Challenge. Taking place between the 12-15th August, the campaign invites Lononders to step outside and get stuck in having fun, doing good while improving London's waterways. Words by James Aldous.
We are the welly-wearers!
It’s that time of the year once again where we challenge Londoners to take part in our big River Thames clean-up – the Cleaner Thames Challenge! True to Leap’s spirit – we also like to have fun doing good too! But we do it in wellies!
This year will be the fifth year that we (Thames21 – London’s leading waterways charity) have run the four-day event to rid the river of harmful litter items that end up on our foreshores. In past years we have tended to focus on the Isle of Dogs (where our volunteers have removed over 250,000 plastic bags!) but this year we’re cleaning up different four sites:
- Brentford (Thursday 12 August)
- Isle of Dogs (Friday 13 August)
- Fulham (Saturday 14 August)
- Erith (Sunday 15 August)
It might sound like hard work, or that it’s not that enjoyable, but truthfully – it’s brilliant fun and everyone taking part is sure to have a great experience. We work with over 8,000 volunteers every year who leave our events feeling that they’ve positively given something back to London.
(Photo courtesy of Gavin Parsons)
We find plastic bags, shopping trollies, tyres, traffic cones, cotton bud sticks and all manner of litter that sadly gets stuck on the Thames foreshore. Removing it means we make a cleaner and greener natural environment and reduce the risk of litter being washed out to sea. Occasionally we find other interesting historical items too such as a saxon spearhead recently – which just goes to show, our history is in the Thames, but importantly our future is there too.
So come and lend a hand with us this week – everyone is welcome and we provide everything you need, just wear some old clothes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. Full details available here.
Tagged in Charity of the Week, Guest Post, Thames 21, Cleaner Thames Challenge, Volunteering in London
At Leap, we like to see the world a little differently from everyone else. We like to look for the good going on in the world, and we hope to use our views to influence other people to make differences to help others and themselves. It is especially reassuring to find that there are other folk who have the same ideas and passions as we do at Leap HQ. We like to see it as a way for opportunities to help and have fun. So just for you, we’ve searched the corners of the internets, to find the best good cause blogs that motivate, inspire and above all are about having fun and doing good. Words by Jack Wilson and Gemma Parmar.
Mashable For Non-Profits Dubbed a “local blogging guru” by the Washington Post, Geoff Livingstone writes Mashable For Non-Profits, combining a perfect blend of social media innovation and doing good.
Good – Good Magazine is the definitive source of news about everything good going on in the world. You name it and these guys have found something good about it. Put simply, it is what GOOD is.
Huffington Post – ‘The internet newspaper’ – This site, partnered with causecast - is dedicated to news about all the good happening in the world and how you can help support good causes.
Look To The Stars We have Jackie Chan to thank for this celebrity charity site sill going after the husband and wife team who created the site received a kind worded letter from him, spurring them to keep going. It is now the site to come to for all the latest celebrity do-gooding antics.
Osocio is more than a blog. It’s a complete resource for all things in the world of non-profit and social messaging. It’s a platform for global and local social issues, both large and small. It’s a community of social thinkers and marketing do-gooders.
Operation Nice Go on, get happy. Operation Nice reminds us all the benefits of going that extra mile to be nicer. A collection of stories, news, and inspiration, the blog makes it looks easy and fulfilling to spreading some kindness in the world.
Causecast - is the 'One stop philanthropy shop' where social media, networking and entertainment are combined for good. The blog actively connects people with good causes.
Do The Green Thing - Geared around ‘seven things that’s you can do to help lead a greener life’ these green guys have helped save their users over 13.55m kgs of CO2 since their launch, which isn’t too shabby. Have you done the green thing recently?
Do Something - A site with the incentive to inspire the next generation of do-gooders, giving people opportunities online to go do good offline. The site gives people the tools to take action about something they care about.
Tree Hugger - After catching the eye of Oprah Winfrey, and the Sundance Channel this blog has quickly become the one stop shop for green goings on in the world. This should be your go-to place for up to the minute green info about every subject you can possibly imagine.
Tagged in Best Blogs, charity, Good Causes, Mashable, Tree Hugger, Features
Stuck for ideas of fun things to do in London this week? You should take a look at our charity of the week Thames 21 who have some fantastic events coming up as part of their Cleaner Thames Challenge. If that's not to your liking then we've found plenty of fantastic events happening in London this week that are fun and for a good cause.
Monday 9th August
Pumping the Green Iron The BTCV Green Gym inspires you to improve both your health and the environment at the same time. Haringey Green Gym is led by experienced leaders and is focused on helping the community garden around the Broadwater Farm Community Centre. You’ll be improving your health, and you’ll also get to eat the fruit (or veg) of your labour.
India’s Forgotten Women As part of the Liberation Season, the Frontline Club shows India's Forgotten Women followed by a Q&A with Director Michael Lawson India is the world's largest democracy. A democracy, however, where contradictions are rife. Where the president is a woman, yet presides over a nation where women are bought, trafficked, enslaved and ritually raped often without repercussion.
Tuesday 10th August
Fun with Jo Jingles Looking for a fun activity to keep your under 5's amused over the summer holidays? Avoid crowded parks and play areas this August by booking onto a Jo Jingles Summer Fun Workshop in Watford or Radlett in Aid of the Peace Hospice. All profits are being donated to the local Peace Hospice.
Power To The People? Social media has opened up new ways for people to communicate, organise and campaign. But in what ways are people using social media for political ends? Looking at examples from around the world we will be examining the ways in which new tools are being used and the ways they have been used to challenge authority.
Wednesday 11th August
Walk Your Way To Health BTCV teamed up with Haringey Council to organise weekly Health Walks in the Park and along the glorious river, Lee. Enjoy the greenery of the recently re-opened Markfield Park and walk your way to a healthy self. There will be a FREE goodie bag for all new walkers (for a limited period only).
Friend of Foe? This is a part of the Frontline club's monthly On the Media discussion series in association with the BBC College of Journalism, the Frontline Club asks: "Google: friend or foe for news publishers?" There's no doubting the power of Google: having re-written the online advertising rule-book, publishers around the world now use its AdSense system to make money and rely on its search algorithm to drive traffic.
Thursday 12th August
Cleaner Thames Vol. 1 Every year, Thames21 runs a special campaign to motivate hundreds of willing volunteers over four days to help clean-up the River Thames foreshore at different locations in London. This August, we will once again challenge Londoners to step outside, don some wellies and help improve the environment:
Get Dirty for Gardening For Good How does a weekly dose of floating habitat islands, scrub bashing, planting up lakes, coppicing, making barley straw sausages and a dash of hedge laying sound? Volunteers will head off in the van to one of a wide range of sites (nature reserves and wildlife areas) in London to carry out a variety of practical conservation work- this is seasonally dependant of course but includes such exciting tasks as creating floating habitat islands, scrub bashing, planting up lakes, coppicing, making barley straw sausages, hedge laying and so-on.
Friday 13th August
Cleaner Thames Vol. 2 Every year, Thames21 runs a special campaign to motivate hundreds of willing volunteers over four days to help clean-up the River Thames foreshore at different locations in London. This August, we will once again challenge Londoners to step outside, don some wellies and help improve the environment: DAY TWO of the Cleaner Thames Challenge on August 13th takes place in Isle of Dogs. Be part of it!
The Bill Hicks Story The Frontline Club presentsAmerican: The Bill Hicks Story followed by a Q&A with Directors Paul Thomas and Matt Harlock. The film tells the story of the controversial comedian's life from his early days as Sunday school joker to iconic status beyond that held by any other in America. Dubbed the "Comic Outlaw", Bill Hicks' comedy was often of a dark nature; questioning American consumer culture, superficiality and the media's dangerous stronghold on society; keeping it, in his own words "stupid and apathetic".
Disco Fever for Peace Celebrate the summer with fine food, good company and great music. All for a good cause. The Hilton Hotel in Watford will house this fantastic fundraiser in aid of the local charity, Peace Hospice. The evening will feature a banquet buffet, evening disco with AJK Disco and a raffle.
Saturday 14th August
Cleaner Thames Vol.3 Every year, Thames21 runs a special campaign to motivate hundreds of willing volunteers over four days to help clean-up the River Thames foreshore at different locations in London. This August, we will once again challenge Londoners to step outside, don some wellies and help improve the environment. DAY THREE of the Cleaner Thames Challenge on August 14th takes place in Fulham. Be part of it!
The Whapthalon Enter a team in the Waptathlon and work your way around our course of challenges, trying out the climbing wall, kayaking and many silly games on the way. Finish off the day with a barbecue next to the Thames and if you're feeling brave have a go on our Leap of Faith Trapeze.
Sunday 15th August
Cleaner Thames Vol.4 Every year, Thames21 runs a special campaign to motivate hundreds of willing volunteers over four days to help clean-up the River Thames foreshore at different locations in London. This August, we will once again challenge Londoners to step outside, don some wellies and help improve the environment: DAY FOUR on August 15th takes place in Erith. Be part of it!
Taking the Show on the Road The Surrey Docks mobile farm will be at the Imperial War Museum as part of their 1940's Wartime Farm experience. Go along to find out what it would have been like to have a small holding in your own back garden during the Second World War.
Tagged in Things to do in London, Thames 21, charity, fundraising, Fun events
Spitalfields City Farm is so close to the City of London, which truly makes us the City Farm in the “City”. Yet surprisingly this lovely rural corner of London remains a mystery to many that spend time in Brick Lane and beyond. Granted we are not easy to find but please take the time to check us out and do not be put off by our location. You will not be disappointed when you arrive here.
We are more than a Farm, we are a community hub and we offer a variety of opportunities and experiences. Where else can you find exotic Bengali vegetables growing alongside rare breed sheep and goats? We have recently had some new additions…2 Kune Kune piglets and if they don’t make you go awhh, then nothing will.
The volunteers of SCF are an integral part of what makes the place tick. From volunteers who come in everyday to our groups of corporate volunteers who help out on a particular project. We appreciate all the work that is carried out by our volunteers who give up their time and devote their energy to making our Farm a unique environment.
By providing access to educational and inspiring green spaces in inner-city Tower Hamlets makes the Farm a critically important resource for the local community.
But do not take my word for it, come and visit us admission is free and donations are always very welcome.
We are open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm, or if you would like a tailor made visit or to arrange a special event then please contact Mhairi Weir – Manager – Spitalfields city Farm 0207 247 8762 mhairi@spitalfieldscityfarm.org – www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org, check us out on twitter and facebook and become a Fan of the Farm.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Farm for a truly memorable experience.
Tagged in Guest Post, charity, Volunteering, Spitalfields City Farm
Leap is the home of doing good, having fun and getting rewarded.
With the help of our 350+ charity partners, we search night and day to find and recommend fun, hassle-free charity events and volunteering activities in your area, for you to attend, support and enjoy.
So how does it work? Like this: Just pick an event you’d like to attend, invite friends to join you (via Facebook and Twitter), keep an eye on what causes your friends are supporting, and get rewarded multitudinously for doing good.
Do good; feel amazing – it’s the Leap effect.
