A community celebration of the amazing grassroots projects supported by Islington Giving’s Make it Happen fund!
On the 17th of June, we brought together our incredible community of supporters, local residents, partners and grassroots projects supported by Islington Giving’s Make it Happen fund.
Held in Hargrave Community Hall, the event was buzzing with energy and full of joy. We heard powerful stories from projects like Paddle Play, She Can Empower, and Next Muay Thai, each of whom shared how a small grant helped spark big impact in their local community – from empowering women through fitness and connection, to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
This was followed by an interactive, musical performance by Everybody’s Music Jam and taster sessions including mindfulness dance by Andreaa Padaru, dry paddleboarding sessions by Nicola at Paddle Play, adult messy play by Dom and Kerri at Make-do Play and MMA pads taster sessions by Next Muay Thai.
The stalls also showcased some of the brilliant grassroots projects in our community – Petal & Paper by Hana Baraka, embroidery taster sessions by Juliana at Lady Stitch Embroidery, Scoliosis care packages by Roshana, and Go-Africa by Anna.
We also heard heartfelt reflections from the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson, who has chosen Islington Giving as his Mayoral Charity of the Year:
“I often reflect on what makes our borough so special – and it’s not just the landmarks or the history – but it’s the ordinary residents doing extraordinary things. Make it Happen captures everything I believe as a mayor – people power, creativity and community action. It’s a pleasure to be here today among neighbours, real changemakers and everyday heroes that remind us of the power of community.
Islington Giving is my charity of the year and we are like a big family now. Having seen the amazing work that goes on, I believe it was the right choice…” ~ Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson
Our CEO Sarah Roth Benioff spoke about the importance of giving residents the tools, trust, and funding they need to make change happen in their own ways, and we were also joined by our brilliant Make it Happen Coordinator, Sarah Page, who reminded us why this fund is so special:
“Make it Happen is like a positive bubble – a safe, positive, heart-warming space that gives hope and faith in humanity, and just shows how many wonderful people there are in Islington who want to do wonderful things.” ~ Make it Happen Coordinator, Sarah Page
The day was filled with connection, community, storytelling, delicious food, ice-cream and good vibes. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Photos of taster sessions:
Photo credit: Samuel Owusu (Sam)
More photos:
Apply to Make it Happen!
Do you have a project idea that could benefit the community? The Make It Happen fund is a small grants scheme for Islington residents that offers funding up to £500 for people to act on things they care about locally. Find out more and apply today.
