Sponsor Stephen and Gail to 'Make a Child Smile' 
                  
                  UNISON's National President is elected annually and one of the 
                  traditions is that their presidency is marked by a project of 
                  some kind. These have varied from particular works to a youth 
                  project in Sierra Leone, 'Show Racism the Red Card' and a project 
                  to support the survivors of domestic abuse. 
                  
As president for 2010/11, Scotland's Angela Lynes has worked 
                    with UNISON Welfare to set up a 'Make a Child Smile' fund 
                    (registered charity 1023552) to be spent on organising or 
                    supporting activities and projects for vulnerable kids.
                  To support this, Glasgow Branch's Stephen Ready and Dundee's 
                    Gail Miller are doing a sponsored parachute jump on behalf 
                    of UNISON Sctland's Welfare Committee. You can sponsor them 
                    using the sponsorship form 
                    on the right  .
.
                  Angela Lynes explains the background to the fund....
                  Children from low-paid families, or under 
                    privileged backgrounds are among the most vulnerable members 
                    of our society. 
                  We have a duty to protect and care for them and I am proud 
                    of the work our public services do to support such children 
                    and their families, and often with very limited resources. 
                    But I believe we can play a part in going beyond such interventions. 
                  
                  Part of growing up, and part of what makes us who we are, 
                    is memories - and it's crucial that young children have positive 
                    memories which can help them develop a positive outlook as 
                    they grow. 
                  That's why I'm asking UNISON branches and regions to support 
                    my Make a Child Smile project and help create some good memories 
                    for children in our communities. 
                  How you can help? 
                  The Make a Child Smile fund will be spent on organising or 
                    supporting activities and projects for vulnerable kids. 
                  Make a donation to the 'Make a Child Smile' Fund 
                  A fund has been set up by UNISON Welfare (registered charity 
                    1023552) to which branches and regions can apply for financial 
                    support towards the event they want to support or organise. 
                    Your branch/regional donation will help to build and sustain 
                    the fund. 
                  You could make a donation direct from branch funds or set 
                    up a collection from members to send in. Cheques should be 
                    made payable to: UNISON Welfare (Make a Child Smile Appeal) 
                    and sent to UNISON Welfare, 1 Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 
                    9AJ