The Flying Seagull Project

9/14/2014

A great charity looks to continue spreading joy across the globe as they expand their practices into Ghana with the help of Environmental Solutions.

The Flying Seagull Project is a charity that not everyone will have heard about, and that is too their misfortune. The project is an enterprising look at how to help children in developing areas to grow and become successful without just ‘throwing money at the problem’. The aim of the project is too bring entertainment to children across the globe where they don’t get the chance to experience the normal childhood activities that most of us take for granted. The idea behind the charity came from CEO and founder Ash Perrin who believes that “money doesn’t own music or laughter”. Perrin also argues that the different events such as the; Rural Arts Project (R.A.P), Artistic Community Events (A.C.E), International Medical Clowning and Creative Arts for Disability (C.A.D), aid in helping increase the children’s potential. Perrin said “it is through the creation of a personality that allows for development of ideas and this allows them to progress in the world”. He continued by stating that looking at successful people in business  who have set up their own companies it is clear that they all have self-confidence, the charities activities aim to bring that to these children. Perrin believes that going straight into work as a child means missing out on certain development links that are essential for personal growth and these events aim to give that to as many people as possible.  

This ethos follows the view that everyone is entitled to having the opportunities for fun, laughter and all forms of entertainment; it shold not be dependant on wealth. This viewpoint led to Perrin creating the charity and spreading his values across the globe, initially targeting those struggling in Romania. The small size of the charity did little to curb the success of the projects they have ran with the first trip helping out 4,000 children and young adults in Romania with only 10 volunteers and one van.  The number of volunteers doubled for the next trip a year later and over 5,000 children were influenced across 9 Cities, 8 towns, 15 villages and 6 Gypsy settlements.

The current success of the charity has come from the passion and enthusiasm that is shown by the volunteers and their ringleader. Perrin claims that the charity simply keeps running because of the passion that is shown and that the charity isn’t run like other charities but is fuelled by enthusiasm. Speaking to Perrin in a ten minute conversation gives just a flavour of the intense belief that he holds in the cause and is genuinely infectious. Perrin could not be further away from the action as he takes control of all the events that the charity runs; from the set up at festivals to driving the van across Romania. Volunteers and funding is required for the trips to be completed and a big part of this comes from work that they do at UK festivals and through donors such as Environmental Solutions.

The money donated by Environmental Solutions will be used to purchase equipment such as drums, for the upcoming trip being planned in Ghana. The Ghana trip represents expansion of the charity which previously focussed on Romania and the UK and this would not be possible without funding. Going into Ghana is an exciting opportunity for the charity as the dense population of the country could mean that a greater number of children will benefit from the trip. Ghana has over one million orphans and this represents a major issue that is around the globe. The country is vibrant with music and colour and represents something that the charity stands for so makes an ideal place to target.

One of the best things about this charity is their ability to make use of every single donation they can get with old stuff becoming the key to the next show. Gathering old equipment and clothes and donating them to the charity will help recycle them in a great way as ‘old shirts become aprons and curtains become costumes’. There are other ways to get involved with the charity as well for example, donating your skills directly will be a major help, whether it is through marketing ability or donating a venue for a fundraiser. For more information on getting involved please visit the website http://www.theflyingseagullproject.com/.  The charity does some amazing work with a tiny budget and is one that Environmental Solutions is proud to sponsor so do look it up and see if you can help in any way.