Dame Katherine to deliver keynote speech at Wood Foundation event

Tomorrow in Perth the most decorated female Olympian, Dame Katherine Grainger will deliver the keynote speech to more than 1000 secondary school pupils from across Scotland, including some from schools in Edinburgh.

This event will be hosted by the Wood Foundation who founded the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative YPI in 2008 and will celebrate all that the young people have done during the last academic year. It will also give everyone the chance to find out all the various ways that young people have made a difference.

In Edinburgh the 16 schools which take part raised £48,000 for local charities, and in total across the country over £2.5 million has been raised through YPI since it began.

Talking about the YPI programme and the upcoming event Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation said:  “YPI is one of The Wood Foundation’s most exciting programme, so often a young person’s first experience of philanthropy, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the big social issues on their door step and advocate passionately on behalf the charities they visit.”

“YPI provides the opportunity for young people to work closely as teams, leave the four walls of the classroom behind and partner local charities of their choosing, experiencing a significant mind-set change and enhanced understanding around the challenges faced within their own communities.  The fact that so many young people continue afterwards to volunteer or fundraise for their chosen charity, is testament to the strength of their experience.  We are very proud of the YPI programme, and recognise the very significant commitment that every participating school undertakes to deliver the programme and empower their students.”

“Our annual YPI Scotland National Event celebrates all that has been achieved over the last 12 months.  We are delighted that Dame Katherine Grainger, the UK’s greatest ever female Olympian, who does so much for charity and philanthropy, will be our keynote speaker and share in festivities.”  Sir Ian Wood concluded.

Other highlights on the day include guest input from: Corinne Hutton, quadruple amputee and founder of charity Finding Your Feet; Ciara Harvie, Scottish mezzo-soprano singer who’s tipped for big things following her star performance on The Voice UK; and Calum MacKenzie Jones, North East singer songwriter recently showcased by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 who’s debut album is released in late-June.

Photos by fraser band 07984 163 256 fraserband.co.uk
YPI Scotland 2014 event at Perth Concert Hall.