One Incredible Donation
- 30th Sep 2024
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
Earlier this year, we launched our One Small Step scheme, which allows people to support our educational Charity by purchasing a plaque and sponsoring one of our iconic astronaut footprints that lead visitors to our main entrance – you may have seen these as you arrived if you’ve been to visit us this year!
We’ve received dozens of One Small Step donations so far, with people adding the names of their loved ones, children, friends and (in one case) a beloved pet! But as well as making a mark on the National Space Centre, every plaque supports our IGNITE! Programme and helps us to reach people in the community who might otherwise not be able to learn about space with us.
So we were absolutely blown away when an organisation called AR Demolition reached out to us and told us they wanted to make a very special donation and purchase 5 plaques to support the IGNITE!
A Plaque with a Purpose
It puts a smile on our face each time we receive a message from someone who has purchased a plaque, letting us know what they would like their inscription to say. We’ve heard some wonderful stories so far, including:
- a couple who had their first date at the National Space Centre years ago and wanted to celebrate their anniversary by having their names inscribed.
- people who want to remember relatives who have now passed away and used to love to visit the National Space Centre with their family.
- parents with young children who are reaching for the stars and dreaming of being an astronaut when they grow up.
We never take for granted how special it is to have provided these moments for people; it’s mindboggling to think that an afternoon spent with us could lead to someone meeting their future life partner or deciding on their future career!
But it’s also humbling to know that there are so many people who care about the National Space Centre and want to support our efforts to inspire the next generation of people going into STEM careers. Our mission is to get people excited about space and to help every visitor who walks through our doors to think about our universe, and we're so grateful to have so many people supporting us.
Purchasing a plaque might seem like a small gesture, but it has a big impact. Each plaque enables our Community team to reach wards within Leicester that have significant financial and educational barriers in place.
“IGNITE! engages over 7,500 young people per year, instilling confidence, aspiration and community cohesion through inspiring learning experiences,” says our Community team. “We offer after-school clubs, summer clubs, school booster sessions and Community family celebrations. The funds raised through the One Small Step sponsorships enable us make sure everyone in Leicester can access the knowledge and experiences we provide.”
The team from AR Demolition absolutely blew us away when they got in touch and told us that they would be purchasing 5 One Small Step plaques in order to benefit children who wish to attend our IGNITE! Sessions.
“Raising awareness of the vast array of STEM careers is very important to us; particularly as science, technology, engineering and mathematics are used within demolition every day," says Mike Henderson, Managing Director at AR Demolition. "When we saw the opportunity to help in the education of STEM subjects and support our local Leicester community, we really wanted to contribute towards the wonderful IGNITE! sessions.”
This gesture will provide one school booster session for a full class of children, helping the students learn about their universe outside of the classroom.
The team went even further and told us that they wished to have just one plaque inscribed with their name, so that the cost of manufacturing the plaques would be lessened. This way, the amount that would have been allocated to producing the other 4 plaques will be donated towards the IGNITE! sessions.
We were so suprised by this incredible kindess and cannot thank AR Demolition enough for their generous donation. This kind of support reminds us why we do what we do!
How You Can Get Involved
If you want to join AR Demolition in supporting our IGNITE! sessions then purchasing a plaque is a simple way to support our charity.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Purchase a One Small Step plaque for yourself, your business, or as a dedication to a special person (or pet!)
- Encourage family, friends, or colleagues to consider purchasing a voucher for a One Small Step plaque as a birthday or Christmas present.
- If you’ve had a special message inscribed on one of our One Small Step plaques, then please do share a photo of yourself with your plaque when you come to visit.
Every plaque purchased makes a difference. Whether you’re donating as an individual or representing an organization like AR Demolition, your support can help us inspire the next generation of astronauts and people going into a STEM career.
Thank you once again to AR Demolition for generously supporting the National Space Centre.
