Passing the baton…can you do it?

by Jonathan Rae, Volunteer for Dyslexia Scotland

Dyslexia has always been a part of my life. From as long as I can remember it has been a part of my family and helped make me the person I am. As a young man at school, I was aware of the Additional Support Needs unit and its importance in giving support, encouragement and confidence. And as an adult, this theme has continued from the spelling tests at primary school to the nervousness of exams at high school and the hope for a good day.

The difference for me is that I am not dyslexic myself, but I have lived alongside close family members and friends who are. I have witnessed first hand the emotion from the challenges and successes, the stoicism and humility fed into everyday situations and an unwavering positive outlook to life and other people. This makes me reflect a lot on my own dyslexic journey as a father, brother, coach and support and the part I should play in helping making society more inclusive and understanding.

For me, like many, I volunteer for Dyslexia Scotland and with a fantastic group of personally invested individuals help organise (with the support of the irreplaceable Lena) the South-East Scotland branch. I am also lucky to work for a large financial organisation and as part of my role I volunteer as the Chair of their Neurodiversity Committee for the UK and support colleagues and parents.

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This allows me to participate in assisting others and engaging in the intent to make life better for those who come behind us.

If like me, you work for a financial organisation or large company then it is worth investigating if you could raise funds using one of the avenues open to me. My employer offers several opportunities for volunteers. All are simple to access, apply for and the result can be valuable for Dyslexia Scotland.

Volunteer funding for hours worked

For every hour I volunteer my employer will pay an hourly amount straight to the charity I’ve supported. I provide details of the charity, the volunteer hours completed and the money is sent. This takes no time to complete and send in.

Match funding

For every pound I raise for a charity my employer will match it (up to a certain value). For me, it will be a cycling Etape this year around Loch Ness in April.

Community support funding

My employer makes grants available to charitable projects and initiatives in the community. There are certain conditions and requirements that need to be met, however, they are not insurmountable. For example, pointing out the benefit of changing the lives of thousands of Scottish Children’s literacy skills as part of the Sean Connery Initiative was met with positive success.

I wonder if others in the Financial Services Industry or larger companies could also access funding opportunities in their organisations and similarly “pass the baton” to Dyslexia Scotland?

Can your company make a difference by divesting funds to Dyslexia Scotland? Get in touch to pitch your offer.