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Over the years Verdi Studios have worked alongside many different charities. We continue to volunteer our time, professional services, and comprehensive facilities to various causes. This is an important part of our core values as a business.
Registered charity numbers: 1084189 SC010315 - www.blesma.org
VOLUNTEER WORK
In 2016, 2017, and 2022 we closed to the general public for a total of seven working days. During this time we donated our time, expertise, facilities and studio to 'Blesma, The Limbless Veterans'.
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Photography is a popular hobby for a number of amputee and spinal cord injured military veterans. Upon learning this we proceeded to plan studio tutorial days free of charge to the charity.
During the time spent with us, members were taught about photography, lighting, composition, giving direction to a model (who also volunteered her time), and post processing, including retouching.
Those of us that attended were privileged to have such an opportunity to experience this level of photography and to have such expert tuition was brilliant; the results were amazing. Verdi studios and all those that gave their time have made a huge impact on the limbless veterans that travelled from as far away as Somerset and Yorkshire
- Blesma members.
The help and encouragement that Parm and Kirsty at Verdi Studios gave over both my visits to their studios have allowed me to move forward with my photography. The use of superb equipment and expert advice was out of this world, I came away on both days feeling I had gained in many ways.
- Mick Williams, Blesma member.
In September 2017, Kirsty travelled to North Wales to brave the fastest
zip-wire in the WORLD!
She raised whopping £800.00 for 'Blesma The Limbless Veterans', surpassing her initial target of £150.00.
'Blesma, The Limbless Veterans' helps
all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost
the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild
their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
Sometimes they receive donations
from organisations, in the form of memorabilia.
Verdi Studios then frame, mount, or box the memorabilia, so the item is beautifully presented and can be auctioned off to raise money for the charity. Verdi Studios will do this either
at cost, or no charge.
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Verdi Studios also occasionally photograph Blesma staff and products for promotional images used throughout Blesma's literature.
Their time, studio, and photography are donated at no charge.
As well as providing Blesma members with the opportunity to improve their photography in our studio environment, Verdi Studios have also volunteered their time to provide members with expert photography knowledge on location.
During separate multi-day trips to Exeter, York, and Epping Forest, Verdi Studios were at Blesma members beck and call- helping members to improve/enhance their technical and practical skills.
We were asked by Blesma to join them on a trip to York. We were there to provide Blesma members with expert technical photography support. We were also on hand throughout the three days to answer questions, and demonstrate different settings and techniques. We absolutely loved the enthusiasm from the members to improve/enhance their technical and practical skills. Especially on day three where we had a 21 hour day!! We were all up at 4am to photograph the sunrise at Whitby, then back at the hotel for 1am after photographing the milky way. Lots of fun had all round, (and not much sleep !)
- Verdi Studios
Since 1932, 'Blesma, The Limbless Veterans' have been the only national Armed Forces Charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives.
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans helps all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
Changing Pathways (formerly known as Basildon Women’s Aid) is a domestic abuse charity working across the areas of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock. They provide free and confidential services to support people who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced domestic abuse.
Registered charity number: 1172214 - http://www.changingpathways.org
DONATED ITEMS
In 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Verdi Studios have created custom mounts and frames for numerous of autographed photographs donated from various sportspersons.
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Verdi Studios donate their time to this cause at no charge. They also aim to donate up to as much as 90% of all materials used.
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All photographs mounted and framed by Verdi Studios are auctioned at
Changing Pathway's annual Charity Ball.
In 2016 a huge amount was raised for children and young peoples services during the Ball.
Incredibly, in 2017 the amount raised at the Ball was even more!
Parm and Kirsty have been so supportive to our charity Changing Pathways (formerly Basildon Women’s Aid). The amazing framing of all the signed photographs that we auctioned at our annual charity ball were admired by all that attended, the attention to detail to ensure that they raise much needed funds was incredible. Both are very friendly and welcoming which makes you feel confident that the end result will be superb……and they certainly were!
A huge thanks to Verdi for delivering a fantastic service and I highly recommend them to everyone. Thank you very much Parm and Kirsty!
- Natasha Jean-Louis, Children and Young People's Team Manager at Changing Pathways.
The Dream Factory has been set up to brighten the lives and encourage hope for children and young adults aged 3-25 years, who have either life limiting or life threatening conditions, or who suffer from severe disabilities. They do this by making their wishes come true!
Any dream is possible and when The Dream Factory says it will take on the challenge of making a wish come true then we will do everything in their power to make it happen in the shortest possible time.
Registered charity number: 1123662 - http://www.yourdreamfactory.org/index.htm
Every year Hainault based charity The Dream Factory hosts 'The Hollywood Charity Ball'.
During the evening of glitz and glam, raffle tickets are sold, and a charity auction takes place to raise money for their fantastic cause.
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Every year since 2009, Verdi Studios donate gift vouchers up to the value of £100.00. The gift vouchers are donated at no cost to the charity; the winners will enjoy an entire portrait photography session in our studio for up to six people, along with a free photographic print of their choice.
DONATED GIFT VOUCHERS
'Colin McMillan, professional boxer. Two-time British Featherweight Champion, and patron of The Dream Factory.'