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15 year old Ben pitches to ScotRail

Posted: 14th February 2017

15 year old Ben Drummond has helped Children 1st by leading a pitch to ScotRail for Scotland’s National Children’s charity to become the company’s next charity partner.

L-R Ben Drummond and Nadine Milloy Youth Worker at COZ

Ben, who is in third year at Armadale Academy in West Lothian, has been attending the charity’s Chill Out Zone in Bathgate for over a year. On Friday 3 February, he led the pitch to a panel of 11 ScotRail staff in Glasgow as part of the company’s charity partner selection process. If chosen the charity will receive gifts-in-kind, financial support and opportunities to engage with the ScotRail workforce in a three year partnership.

Ben said “I really enjoy the Chill Out Zone, I’ve gained new skills and made lots of great friends. I also volunteer there every Friday. I never liked doing presentations at school before this but now I’m a lot more confident. Children 1st  does so much for young people in the area and that’s why I wanted to help with the pitch to ScotRail.“

Ben really impressed the panel by sharing his story with them and this has resulted in Children 1st being shortlisted as one of three charities still remaining in the process.

“I was nervous walking into the boardroom with everyone around the big table but as soon as I started, I was fine. I actually really enjoyed it.” said Ben. “But there is still a lot of work to do to make sure Children 1st become ScotRail’s next charity partner.”

The final decision now comes down to a staff vote by ScotRail employees and Ben is urging everyone at ScotRail to vote for Children 1st.

“We now need everybody to tell ScotRail staff to #VoteChildren1st. Get on social media and tell your friends, it’s that simple.” said Ben “ScotRail can help so many children and young people to benefit like I have.”

Ben’s dad William, who works in the rail industry, said “Ben really enjoys the Chill Out Zone, the support he gets from Children 1st staff is brilliant. This has been a great experience for him and everyone is right behind him to make sure ScotRail staff vote for Children1st.”

Chief Executive at Children 1st Alison Todd was with Ben at the pitch and was very impressed at how well he did. Alison commented: “Ben is a fantastic ambassador for Children 1st; his family and friends should be very proud of him”.

You can help Ben by sharing the #VoteChildren1st posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Pictured: Ben Drummond and Nadine Milloy, Youth Worker at COZ

 

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