JUNIOR Achievement Isle of Man has had a fine start to 2011 as it has already received £1,100 in donations.
Inspired by chief executive Sue Cook's presentation on the charity's community volunteering qualification (CVQ) - a first for the Island - Lloyds TSB Offshore donated £400, while an anonymous donor, on learning from development officer Tina Edge that £300,000 is needed to be raised annually to reach every student in primary and secondary education in the Island, presented JA IOM with a cheque for £700.
Separately, Alliance and Leicester International, as part of its 12 Days of Christmas campaign to support local charitable causes, is providing staff to assist with the Take That 2 show at the Gaiety Theatre on February 11, sponsored by OSA Recruitment and supported by 3FM.
The concert is to raise funds for Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
Tickets are £20 each and are on sale at www.villagaiety.com, the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and the ticket hotline on 600 555.
Tina said: "2011 is starting on a really positive note. We are delighted that despite the current economic downturn there is strong support for Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
"The CVQ has generated tremendous interest, as did the Christmas fairs at Marown and Cronk-y-Berry schools.
"Clearly more and more people are coming to recognise the value of the work we are doing to help the Island's young people gain essential skills for when they leave full-time education – all the more important in these uncertain economic times.
"We're indebted to Lloyds TSB Offshore, our anonymous donor and all those other private individuals and local businesses who share our passion for equipping the young people of the Isle of Man with a range of life skills that will help them long after they've left full-time education."
To help support the work of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, call Tina Edge on 666266 or email tina@jaiom.im